National Book Month
Portable gateways to realms unknown, books unfold adventures, unravel mysteries—keys to wisdom, growth, and endless wonder.
Drive October book sales and library engagement by positioning reading as a gateway to discovery and community connection.
- Share your favorite book recommendation with a friend this October
- Host a cozy book club night—we've got the perfect reading list
- Support local bookstores: discover your next great read in-store this National Book Month
- Parents: help your kids discover the magic of reading with a library card signup event
National Book Month got its start more than 20 years ago when it was founded in 2003 by the National Book Foundation (NBF). But this collective of people behind National Book Month can be traced back even further, to the late 1980s when the NBF was founded, and even longer to the 1950s when the National Book Awards were established.
The purpose behind National Book Month is simply to draw attention to and point a special focus on the vital part that books play in the lives of humans all over the world. In addition to being celebrated by the National Book Foundation, events are held all month long throughout the country by avid book appreciators including schools and universities, public libraries, community book clubs, local bookstores, and so many others!
Read a Book
Whether grabbing an old favorite off the shelf or picking up something new, celebrating National Book Month is easy, because it just requires reading a book. Check one out from the library for free, pick one up at a used bookstore for a discounted price, or purchase a new copy to support a local bookstore owner. However it is acquired, set aside a little time for the brain to simply find some joy in reading!
Host National Book Month Activities
Get involved with National Book Month in a number of ways by connecting with the community. Teachers and school administrators might choose to create hype and encourage children to read through various activities sponsored by the school library or local public library. Parents of school-aged kids can take their kids to the library to get them signed up for their own library cards. Other community leaders can work in partnership with local bookstores or libraries to make a big deal out of National Book Month with free events and activities.
Start a Book Club
Dive deeper into a book and see what others think about it too by starting a book club during National Book Month. As the weather turns colder, it’s an ideal opportunity to invite a few friends to enjoy a book and come together weekly to discuss what has been read.