In today’s fast-paced world, books often take a back seat to the visual and other forms of media, especially for children. But, each October, with the cold season ahead, we are invited to dive into the world of written stories and rediscover the magic of books. It’s the perfect time to slow down, get cozy with blankets and a comfy chair, and build a reading routine by picking up a new book or revisiting an old classic. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Book Month?

👉 Official Name: National Book Month
💚 Cause: Encourage reading and discovering new books
📅 Next Date: October 01-31, 2025
🐦 Hashtag: #NationalBookMonth, #ReadingIsFun, #ReadingChallenge

Keep reading to find out all the important information about National Book Month at a glance: its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About National Book Month at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: National Book Month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of reading, writing, and literature. It is a reminder that books are essential tools for expanding our knowledge and understanding the world around us, whether it’s through novels, poetry, essays, or historical texts. In addition, this celebration inspires Americans nationwide to reclaim the joy of reading, renew their interest in books, and connect with authors and fellow readers through literary events. Moreover, it’s a time to stimulate book-writing for first-time and veteran authors alike.

2️⃣ Why it is important: Reading has long been a cornerstone of human development. Books can open our minds to new ideas, improve our knowledge and critical thinking skills, or even catalyze personal and societal changes. In addition, reading books helps us develop empathy and foster connection through perspective-taking. Moreover, books support our memory, help us build vocabulary, and enhance communication skills. Reading also improves our sleep, boosts brain power, and can significantly reduce our stress levels. Unfortunately, today, less than 20% of US youth read a book daily for pleasure, while more than 80% use social media every day. 

3️⃣ How you can get involved: From joining dedicated community activities to buying and selling books, these are the best ways you can take part in National Book Month:

1. Rekindle your love for reading: Celebrate this event by rereading an old favorite or picking up a new book that sparks your interest. You can even challenge yourself by implementing a reading routine to transform this into a relaxing hobby for the cold months ahead. 
2. Join community activities: Use this month-long opportunity to join in-person or online book clubs to motivate yourself to read more and meet like-minded people. In addition, you can participate in book festivals, book launches, and book signing events to connect with authors, book collectors, and other passionate readers.
3. Buy books: Rediscover the wonders of bookshops, libraries, and used bookstores, and buy catchy titles for promising reads. You can also wander through online second-hand bookstores for countless options of books you may have never heard of!
4. Sell and fundraise: If you feel you’ve got too many books that you don’t plan on reading, you can sell them to used bookstores or set up a garage sale in your community and invite your neighbors to join in. You can then use the money to donate to organizations that provide books and encourage reading worldwide.

Below are our favorite charities that are relevant for National Book Month:

• Best Charities to Donate Your Books to
• Best Charities That Promote Reading
• Best Charities That Promote Literacy
• Best Charities That Promote Children’s Literacy

A Brief History of National Book Month

When was this event established: National Book Month was established in 2003 by the National Book Foundation to draw attention to the vital part that books play in the history and development of humanity. The event also aimed to encourage Americans to discover new literary genres, enable daily reading routines, and engage with authors and fellow readers. This event was founded in October, just before the National Book Awards, which take place in November, to encourage participation in literary events.

How has it developed since then: Since its founding, National Book Month has continued to raise awareness of the importance of reading in a world that is increasingly shifting towards digital media and short-form content. It has also become an opportunity to honor the contributions of American authors and help fuel their creativity and passion for writing. Nowadays, bookstores, libraries, and schools host book drives, author talks, and reading challenges across the US. 

3 Interesting Facts About National Book Month

1. Less Reading: A study in 2016 showed that, compared to previous generations, teens experienced a steep decline in reading, despite being way easier now to procure books or read ebooks. For example, in the 1970s, 60% of 12th-graders read a book or magazine almost daily; by 2016, only 16% did. At the same time, teens now spend about six hours a day browsing the internet, texting, or using social media.
2. History of Bookselling: In Ancient Rome, it became the trend to have a library as part of the household furniture, and Roman booksellers had a flourishing trade. Then, the modern system of bookselling started soon after Johannes Gutenberg introduced the printing technology in Europe. Through the mechanized process of printing, books became more affordable and gave way to the contemporary bookstores we know today. 
3. Nationwide Classics: American Literature started with the oral traditions of Native American tribes. Then, during the 19th century, major figures such as Edgar Allan Poe, Henry David Thoreau, and Mark Twain explored themes of American life, individuality, and nature. Later, in the 20th century, modernist writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and J. D. Salinger tackled issues of warfare, traditional values, and counterculture. 

Upcoming Dates of National Book Month

National Book Month is observed every year for the entire month of October.

Never Miss an Awareness Event Again

Sources

• American Psychological Association: Teens Today Spend More Time on Digital Media, Less Time Reading
• Researchgate: THE IMPORTANCE OF READING TO EXPAND KNOWLEDGE
• The Munich Eye: Unlocking the Mind: The Vital Role of Reading in Cognitive Development
• 95 Percent Group: Why is reading important? The lifelong benefits of reading
• National University: Reading Improves Memory, Concentration, and Stress
• Lucidity: 5 ways reading will boost your communication skills
• Real Simple: 9 Benefits of Reading Print Books, According to Science
• Healthline: Benefits of Reading Books
• The Miraculous Journey of Books: 10 Steps to Create a Reading Routine
• Bookclubs.com: Local (in-person) Book Clubs
• Bookclubs.com: Online Book Clubs
• How Stuff Works: 5 Tips for Selling Your Used Books
• PODS: How To Have a Successful Yard Sale: Your Questions, Answered
• Impactful Ninja: 10 Best Charities to Donate Your Books to
• Baron Fig: The History of National Book Month
• National Book Foundation: home page
• National Book Foundation: National Book Awards
• Wikipedia: National Book Awards
• Wikipedia: History of bookselling
• Oxford Academic: Bookshops in the Literary Culture of Rome
• Walsworth: The History of Book Printing: What Were the First Books Printed On?
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Periods of American Literature
• BASUDEW Academic Club: History of American Literature