We’ve all heard of “Take Your Child to Work Day” and “Take Your Child to the Library Day”, but did you know the first Saturday in December is designated for “Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day”? If you have heard of it, then maybe I’m just a little late to the party, but if you haven’t – read on!
Unfortunately, the kids and I may not be able to participate this year as we already have a kid’s birthday party scheduled as well as a another event planned later that day. However, I wanted to let all of you know about it in case you want to take your little ones to a participating bookstore near you.
Saturday, December 5th, is the sixth annual Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day. Founded by novelist Jenny Milchman, TYCBD has grown from 80 stores participating in its first year to 700 this year across all 50 states, Canada, Europe and Australia. Milchman was inspired by taking her own young children to bookstores: “Did all children know the pleasure of spending time in a bookstore? I wanted to begin a holiday that would expose as many kids as possible to this joy.”
Each bookstore plans their own events, a mix of everything from story time, giveaways, children’s author visits and even a few canine companions for kids to read to. Participating stores can be found on this interactive map.
What a great initiative that encourages families across the country to visit their local bookstores as a way to encourage literacy and love of reading. I love this idea and totally support it!
While I do purchase some books online from Amazon, I still enjoy physically going into a bookstore. Online shopping just can’t beat things like: face-to-face interaction with friendly, knowledgeable staff, comfortable and bright reading nooks and spaces to unwind, an array of refreshments, in-store author events, and of course, story time for the little ones.
Have I convinced you to check it out yet? If there is a child in your life, won’t you consider taking him/her to a bookstore this December 5th? I hope you’ll join me in spreading the word about this wonderful event.
For more information about Take Your Child to the Bookstore Day go here.
Your turn: How often do you take your little readers to the bookstore? Have you attended a Take Your Child to the Bookstore Day event in the past? Feel free to share in the comments.