International Literacy Day is observed on September 8, and the easiest way to take part is to read something together, aloud, for fifteen minutes. The day was set up by UNESCO to remind people that reading and writing are basic skills that open doors to education and work.
Below are activities for different settings, along with a short explanation of the day’s background and a few tips to make reading time something people look forward to.
Where International Literacy Day began
UNESCO proclaimed September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966, and the first celebration followed in 1967. Each year, the organization highlights a theme tied to literacy and learning. The goal is to draw attention to people who still lack basic reading skills and to support access to education worldwide.
That background is worth sharing with children in simple terms: reading is a tool, and everyone should be able to use it.
Activities for families at home
- Read-aloud hour. Everyone picks a book and takes a turn reading a page.
- Story jar. Write characters, places and problems on slips of paper, then draw three and invent a story.
- Letter to someone far away. Writing by hand practices both reading and composing.
- Family library card day. Visit the public library and let each person choose something unfamiliar.
- Label the house. For young children, tape labels to furniture so words meet objects.
Activities for classrooms and groups
Teachers and group leaders have more people to work with, which opens up shared formats. A “reading buddies” program pairs older students with younger ones for short sessions. A book swap lets everyone bring one used book and take another home. A “mystery reader” invites a parent, local worker or community member to read a favorite passage.
The same ideas work for adult learning groups. Reading together can build confidence, especially when the material is practical, such as recipes, local news or community notices.
| Setting | Activity | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Story jar | Paper, jar, pen |
| Classroom | Reading buddies | Books at two levels |
| Library | Book swap | Table, sign-up sheet |
| Office | Shared reading list | Group chat or board |
Supporting literacy beyond one day
A single celebration is fine, but habits matter more. Local libraries often run programs that welcome volunteers, and many accept donations of gently used books. Community groups sometimes need tutors, and schools often welcome volunteers to listen to children read.
Think about accessibility too. Large-print books, audiobooks and bilingual titles help readers with different needs, and they make a good display for any event.
Tips for a good International Literacy Day
Let people choose
Interest is the strongest driver of reading. Comics, magazines, cookbooks and sports stories all count. Forcing a particular title often backfires.
Keep it short and regular
Ten or fifteen minutes a day beats a long session once a month. Link reading to something pleasant, like cocoa or a favorite spot on the sofa.
Model it yourself
Children notice when adults read for pleasure. Let them see you with a book, even a short one.
School-year observances often connect. Teachers gather support on World Teachers’ Day in October, and food and learning themes meet in World Food Day projects such as reading recipes and labels.
Making a literacy day plan in four steps
- Choose your audience: toddlers, school-age children, teenagers or adults.
- Pick one main activity and one backup that needs no preparation.
- Gather books in advance, including a few short ones for reluctant readers.
- Finish with a small ritual, such as adding a sticker to a reading chart or sharing one favorite sentence.
Setting a visible goal, such as filling a shelf or finishing a family read-aloud, keeps momentum after September 8 has passed.
One last idea: end the day by asking each person to name a book, article or sentence that surprised them. It takes five minutes, gives everyone a chance to speak, and often sends people home with a new title to look up at the library.
Looking for more reading-friendly observances? Halloween parties can include a spooky story hour, and Veterans Day is a good prompt for reading memoirs and letters.
Key takeaways
- International Literacy Day is observed on September 8 and was established by UNESCO.
- Short, regular reading beats a one-off event.
- Choice and variety keep readers engaged, whatever their age.
- Libraries, schools and community groups welcome volunteers and book donations.
See more themes for the school year in the Holidays & National Days archive.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Literacy Day?
It is observed on September 8 each year.
Who started International Literacy Day?
UNESCO proclaimed the day in 1966, and the first observance took place in 1967.
How can I celebrate if I do not have children?
Read to a friend or relative, donate books to a library, volunteer as a reading tutor or start a small book swap at work.
What counts as reading?
Books, magazines, comics, recipes, newspapers and audiobooks all support literacy. What matters is regular practice with material the reader enjoys.
Photo: Children's Reading Corner 1 at Busesa Community Library, Busesa, Bugweri District by Vanmulondo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
