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My International Book Giving Day Experience

Happy International Book Giving Day (and Valentine’s Day)!  A few weeks ago, I mentioned how I planned to celebrate Book Giving Day this year.  You can check out that post here if you missed it.

Our friends over at Reach Out and Read Connecticut, were happy to receive my donation of 83 books along with a set of 12 mini board books for babies.  I planned on donating books to other locations as well, but honestly it was easiest for me to just dump them all in one box and make one donation at one location.  And if I’m really being honest, I was being lazy because it was bone chilling cold that day.  I didn’t feel like driving to multiple locations lugging around books.  So there.  If I continue this book giving tradition again next year, I’ll be a bit more organized and strategic.

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In addition to donating some books from our home library, I reached out to several friends and family members for book donations.  I didn’t know what to expect so I set a goal to collect at least 50 books.  I was surprised when I surpassed that goal nearly reaching 100!

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Overall, it was a fun experience and I’d definitely do it again. What a great way to help promote literacy, give to others who may be in need, and get rid of some unwanted books or books that your children have outgrown.

The kids weren’t too happy about seeing some of their books in the box, especially my daughter.  She knew once we put a book in that box it was going to be donated and they wouldn’t have it anymore.  I know I could have hid the box and kept it out of sight from the kids, but I wanted them to understand the concept of donating and giving – even if some of their stuff was being given away.  Now that the books are gone, she seems to have forgotten all about those books.  Kids!

I’m delighted I was able to participate and give back this year.  I think International Book Giving Day helps serve as a reminder to remember that we can pay it forward even by donating something as simple as a book.  If you’re a parent like me, it’s also a great way to encourage kids to think of others.

Your turn:  Did you participate in International Book Giving Day with your little readers this year?  If so, I’d love to hear what you did.  Feel free to share in the comments.

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2 thoughts on “My International Book Giving Day Experience

  1. What a great blog!!! It helps me make decisions on what books to purchase for my kids. Have you read the new picture book, “Cooking With Mr. C.” by John Contratti. My kids and I love it. Keep up the good work.

    1. Thank you so much, Mary! I’m so happy you find the blog to be helpful! No, we haven’t read that one yet, but I’ll look out for it. Thanks for the recommendation!

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