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World Read Aloud Day

On World Read Aloud Day, ignite imagination and inspire love for stories! Loud and proud, share the joy of reading with everyone around you.

Wednesday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Wednesday in February

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to raise your voice in celebration of World Read Aloud Day on February 7! This global movement towards literacy was started by LitWorld in 2010, and it's all about the sheer pleasure of vocalizing our favorite stories. The simple act of reading a book out loud can transport us into different worlds, inspire creativity, and make a deep connection between the reader and the listeners. It’s a day to celebrate the power of words and the magic woven by stories when shared aloud. So, grab a book, gather your loved ones, and let your living room echo with fascinating tales, poetry, and narratives. Let's share the joy of reading with everyone around us!

TIMELINE

World Read Aloud Day Timeline

Origins of Public Reading

During the 1800s, public reading and storytelling flourished as an important part of social gatherings, establishing the tradition of reading aloud.

Radio Broadcasts Elevate Reading Aloud

External broadcasts and radio plays popularize the tradition of reading aloud, reaching millions of listeners worldwide.

Children's Hour

The BBC's "Children's Hour" introduces a generation to the tradition of reading aloud, inspiring lifelong love for stories.

"Audiobook Boom"

The popularity of audiobooks skyrockets, modernizing the oral tradition of reading aloud, now providing access to books on-the-go.

World Read Aloud Day Inception

LitWorld establishes World Read Aloud Day, a global initiative to promote the joy and importance of reading aloud and sharing stories.

Virtual Celebrations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, World Read Aloud Day activities move online, featuring virtual read aloud sessions by authors and celebrities.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

Organize a community read-aloud event

Reach out to your local library, school or community center and organize a day-long read-aloud event. Take turns with others to read chapters or favorite passages and invite parents and children alike to participate.

RECORD

Record yourself reading a favorite book

Let the magic of technology help you spread the love of reading far and wide. Record yourself reading a favorite book and share the video with friends and family or even post it on social media.

HOST

Host a book-themed party

For World Read Aloud Day, why not host a book-themed party? Request that guests come dressed as their favorite literary character and spend time reading some passages aloud from each character's story.

START

Start a virtual book club

Invite friends and family to a virtual book club where you can come together to read aloud and discuss your latest reads. It's a fun way to connect and celebrate, no matter the distance that separates you.

DONATE

Donate to a literacy charity

Honor World Read Aloud Day in a giving way by donating to a charity that promotes literacy. Your donation could help provide reading materials or support programs that encourage kids to read.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Read Aloud Day is Important

It champions the power of voice & literacy

World Read Aloud Day not only advocates and pushes for literacy but also highlights the power of voice in sharing stories. The act of reading aloud is a celebration in itself, giving life to characters, breathing emotion into words, and transforming the written word into an experience. This day situates literacy as a joy rather than a task - something to cherish as part of our collective human culture.

It promotes the joy of shared reading

World Read Aloud Day is a special day that encourages shared reading experiences. Reading aloud can bring people closer together, sparking joy and creating cherished memories. It fills the atmosphere with warmth, laughter, and thought-provoking discussion - creating moments we wouldn't want to trade for anything else.

It fosters a love for literature and storytelling

World Read Aloud Day is a fantastic celebration of words, stories, and the magic that comes with them! It encourages us to dive into riveting narratives, enjoy sumptuous words, and explore the grandeur of human creativity in every tale we read. It's a day to instill, nurture, and rejoice in the love for literature and storytelling.