The first World Book Night was held in the UK in 2011, and its success has spawned a U.S. effort and similar events in other countries. Tomorrow (Monday, April 23) is the very first World Book Night in the U.S., when tens of thousands of volunteers across the country will hand out free copies of books in their communities. Publishers, bookstores, libraries and authors are also donating their services and time. The goal is to give books to new readers, encourage reading and just share a passion for terrific books. Or, as the WBN website says, "The goal of World Book Night is to seek out reluctant adult readers wherever they are, in towns and cities, in public settings or in places from nursing homes to food pantries, low income schools to mass transit."
Although it's too late to volunteer for this year's event, organizers hope it will become an annual tradition. Check out the 30 books on this year's list, and maybe you have a copy of one of the titles you can pass along to a reluctant reader among your friends, family and colleagues.
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