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5 Ways to Celebrate International Literacy Day

September 8th is International Literacy Day! On this day, we celebrate the wonderful gift of literacy across the globe by reading and appreciating the opportunity to learn to read and write. This is a day to spend tutoring others, supporting your local library, or simply reading a great book.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can celebrate ILD in your community. Whether you’re a community leader, teacher, or just a community member, these five ways to celebrate are for everyone.

1. Read A Book From Your Local Library

One of the best ways to celebrate literacy is to read a great book. Books are the greatest and most recognizable symbol of literacy, and stories are some of our greatest accomplishments. Fiction has always fascinated readers and listeners from the days of oral traditions.

International Literacy Day is the perfect opportunity to visit your local library and read or check out a book. You could even start a book club or read to the neighbourhood kiddos at storytime! If you don’t have a library card, now’s the time to acquire one. They don’t cost anything, and can grant you access to thousands of books and resources.

2. International Literacy Day Volunteering

There are always volunteer opportunities at local schools, community centers, and more that you can take advantage of. International Literacy Day offers a unique opportunity to spread the joy of literacy to the community and to those less fortunate. Tutoring opportunities are likely abundant in your city. So, make a few calls to see what’s available. You might be surprised by how much you can help by simply donating some of your time.

3. Send A Gift Basket

Do you have a favorite English teacher or tutor that taught you a love for reading and writing? What better way to celebrate International Literacy Day than by honoring them with a gift! For example, we have a build-a-basket feature you can use to craft the perfect gift basket.

Don’t forget to include some of your favorite literature, magazine articles, or writing supplies for your English tutor or teacher. They’ll appreciate the gesture, and you’ll be showing your support for this truly awesome international holiday.

Sending gift baskets, of course, isn’t limited to just your favorite English teacher. You can send one to family members and friends who love reading, or better yet, those who haven’t quite acquired a taste for it. Sometimes, all it takes is one good book to make a life-long reader.

4. Start Learning A New Language

Literacy isn’t all about reading and writing. Learning a new language is a great way to expand your literacy and opportunities. In short, learning a new language is a skill that could benefit everyone! That is to say, you never know when a second language might come in handy. It could even apply to your everyday life. There are thousands of languages and dialects in the world, and we seem to forget that in the West.

Maybe you’re looking to travel abroad next summer, and don’t know the indigenous language. Or, perhaps you’re planning your yearly vacation to Italy, and you’ve always wanted to learn Italian. If you go every year, why not learn the language?

5. Fund A Foreign Library Project

There are hundreds of projects aimed at bringing literacy to all corners of the world. By lending your funds to one of these projects, you’re showing your support for worldwide literacy and the benefits it can offer people of all cultures. You don’t need thousands of dollars to lend a hand, either. Use International Literacy Day as your chance to reach out to a new place.

A small donation is just as significant, showing that you care about literacy for everyone. If you’re looking for a list of literacy projects, go here.

Keep Celebrating!

In conclusion, this is one of the most important international holidays. Therefore, it’s crucial that people like you and I continue to support it. These simple acts of support for literacy far and wide can make a huge difference even in the smallest of settings. Don’t forget about your local library; they’re always in need of funding and volunteers! Libraries are some of the community’s best and most important resources. So, let’s show them our support. Celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8th!