Give a book... or two... or twenty... [Updated]

My childhood memories are filled with book-related memories. I remember my Papa bringing me to the bookstore and letting me pick a book. There were other bookstore memories too, of just spending an hour or two in the children's section of a bookstore, decked out as an inviting enchanted wood. I remember being rewarded with my first Roald Dahl book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, for doing well in Primary One. I remember my uncle and aunt giving my sister and me books every Christmas, they were usually hardcover comic annuals: there was the Twinkle annual, the Dandy annuals, the Rupert annuals. There was the Richard Scarry book my parents bought me off the Doulos one year. I am thankful for every one of these precious memories. I was a blessed little girl!

Viv Schwarz designed this adorable picture just for Book Giving Day!

International Book Giving Day, February 14 2012,  is just round the corner now, a golden opportunity for me to bless someone with the joy of receiving the gift of a children's book. The idea is simple, simply give a book to someone. It can be any kind of book, and it can be a gift to anyone, a complete stranger, a member of your family or a friend. I haven't quite decided what I will be doing yet, but Zoe at Playing by the Book, and Amy at Delightful Children's Books have a few cool and very doable suggestions. I've added a few of my own to the list too. Oh, and just to add: whoever I choose to give the book, I'd be sure to leave a handwritten note, and tie a pretty bow! (I may not wrap the book, just because I'd want them to see the cover!)

.: Leave a book at a waiting room or lobby 
.: Gift a book to a child at the public library 
.: Contribute pre-loved books to a local playgroup, your child's classroom library, or the children's ward at your local hospital 
.: Organize a book swap among members of your child's playgroup 
.: Gift a book to a neighbor's child 
.: Go by a local public housing project and gift the book to a child - maybe the first child you see for whom you think the book would be suitable 
.: Or simply, borrow a book from the local library for your child

Help spread the word at International Book Giving Day's Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter @BookGivingDay, if you will.

There is also World Book Night that is coming up on April 23. Volunteers can sign up to collect twenty copies a book of your chosen title from a local bookstore or library, and distribute them to members of the community. The intention is to encourage reading, and share your passion for a great book. This was birthed in the UK last year, was a huge success, and is therefore happening here in the US this year. It's inspirational to see book sellers, publishers, authors, librarians, and other book-lovers come together in this effort to bless others with the gift of a great book. I hope World Book Night will happen in Asia next year, as that's where I will be!

I'll be sure to do a post on what I end up doing come February 14 for International Book Giving Day! 

Who will you be blessing this Valentine's Day with the gift of a book?  Which book are you going to bundle into a gift? 


Post update:
Author/illustrators Vivian Schwarz and Clara Vuliamy have designed bookplates for use on Book Giving Day! They can be downloaded at Book Giving Day's website.

Designed by Clara Vuliamy

Designed by Viviane Schwarz