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Events Mon Apr 21 2014
Giving You The World, One Book At A Time
April 23 is a hallowed day for the literati: it is the (observed) birthday of William Shakespeare, and the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Book and Copyright Day. It is also World Book Night. First celebrated in the UK and Ireland in 2011, World Book Night aims to spread the love of reading, from person to person, with an emphasis on sharing books with casual or non-readers in your community.
The event is the result of efforts from individuals involved in every part of the publishing and reading process: the books are chosen by an "independent panel of librarians and booksellers"; authors waive royalties, publishers cover the costs of specially-printed World Book Night (US) editions; and bookstores and libraries volunteer to host the volunteer book givers. This Wednesday will see 25,000 volunteers give out half a million books in 6000 towns and cities.
You can see the complete list of books being given away here. You'll have to keep your eyes peeled for book givers while out and about, especially after 4pm (this is, after all, World Book Night). You can also check out one of these events right here in Chicago:
- Chicago Women in Publishing (CWIP) and Chicago Writers Conference team up at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave, to bring you a free mixer. RSVP to meet other writers and publishing professionals!
- If you're looking for adventure, head to Local Goods Chicago, 5354 W. Devon Ave, from 4pm-6pm on Wednesday for a free copy of Cheryl Strayed's Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Finally, follow World Book Night US on Twitter and Facebook, and share your volunteer experience--or good fortune as a recipient--with #WBN2014!
