Pinawa Public Library
www.pinawapubliclibrary.com
The Biblio File
February 3, 2020
While happily Googling bookish events and information for this weeks’ Biblio File I came across International Book Giving Day. It started in 2012 with the aim to get books into the hands of as many children as possible. It is a 100% volunteer driven initiative aimed at increasing children’s access to and enthusiasm for books. My thought was “why stop at children?” Maybe we could think of this a fun opportunity to get all ages reading. How does it work? You gather a pile of your books (or pick up some super cheap ones at your friendly neighbourhood PPL). Insert a little note “This book is for you! Enjoy and keep or pass along! Book Giving Day 2020” You can even find printable template PDFs for this very purpose at:
https://bookgivingday.com/2020/01/20/2020-bookgivingday-bookmarks-bookplates/
This makes it clear that the book is a gift. Books can be stealthily left in waiting rooms, at the bottoms of slides, on swings and benches at schools, windscreens of cars, doorsteps, anywhere that you think they will be seen. Weather dependent of course! Involve your kids in the book ninja activities – they will love going back later to see which have been found! Even better, it might inspire the recipients to do a little ninja-ing of their own.
When is this day? February 14th! In our humble opinion this is a wonderful alternative or addition to regular Valentine’s Day cards and gifts.