The Gift: World Book Night 2013
“The book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one that makes you think.” Harper Lee
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… Readers in my group received Tina Fey’s Bossypants.
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… Some student recipients with Program Coordinator Claudette Spence(2nd left).
Today is World Book Night, UNESCO‘s International Day of the Book, World Book Day, Shakespeare’s Birthday, and Miguel de Cervantes memorial. To celebrate books and encourage more adults to read, the World Book Night organizers, in collaboration with book publishers around the world, arranged a massive book giveaway. 500,000 copies of 30 paperback books, selected by a special panel, were distributed to readers in organizations, clubs, on the streets and at designated locations. What I found remarkable was how the program, initiated by Book publishers at a Conference in the UK in 2010, became a global event with thousands of volunteers connecting with appreciative book readers.
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… Program Coordinator Claudette and Instructor Fay admire the books
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… The box of books picked up at Barnes and Nobles
As a volunteer book giver, I received 20 copies of a special paperback edition of Tina Fey‘s BossyPants. It was one of three books I had chosen from the list when I applied. Earlier in the week, I stopped by my local Barnes & Noble bookstore to pick up my boxed books. The store manager welcomed me with a smile, and presented me with a thank you letter and professional looking certificate. I was thrilled and ready to share the books, but I had to wait till April 23rd to join the global effort and make sure the maximum number of students could be reached. The first World Book Night giveaway was celebrated in the UK and Ireland in 2011. By 2012, it had expanded to the USA and Germany.
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… Some student recipients displaying their books
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… Bossypants on display and admired by instructor Fay
Today, I handed out copies of the book to Students in the Women’s Empowerment/Women in Transition program at the YWCA in Manhattan. To memorialize the event, I took several photos of the books and the grateful students/recipients to share with you here. When I signed up to become a book giver, I identified the program as one of two choices to receive copies of the free book because our students are learning new skills to help them get back to work, and most are on a tight budget. Tina’s hilarious and candid book was the perfect choice for my recipients because during tough times, reading uplifting or funny books, maintaining a sense of humor, and smart planning, can help us develop effective coping skills. More below!
“If a book is well written, I always find it too short. “ Jane Austen
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… The list of 30 books and donating publishers.
The Gift: World Book Night 2013… Another shot of some student recipients
Why April 23?
At the YWCA, one of the instructors asked me why this day? This is an important question because when I visited the worldbooknight.org site to verify, I found the following impressive information:
April 23 is the UNESCO International Day of the Book, as well as Shakespeare’s birthday. It was also chosen in honor of Miguel de Cervantes, who died on April 23, 1616 (the same day as Shakespeare). In the Catalan region of Spain, the day is celebrated by giving a book and a flower to a loved one.
If nothing else, connecting our passion for the written word with the lives and works of the writers mentioned above is a great gift. If each of us made the effort to share a book, give a book, volunteer to distribute books, or even read book to a child, we would inspire a deep love for reading and help create a new generation of passionate readers. I hope the pictures I shared conveyed that message. If you wish to participate, you may connect with the organizers on Facebook, Twitter or the Website. Sign up to receive the newsletter and you’ll be notified of the next giveaway. Hope you enjoyed the event too. Thank you!
♥♥♥On another note, I send my condolences to the family and friends of Shakuntala Devi, the super brilliant human computer who could calculate math numbers faster than anyone. She was 83. RIP♥♥♥
*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on reading and commenting on your blogs. I’ll catch up soon too. Thank you all for your patience!
Positive Motivation Tip: We can all make an effort to encourage reading by sharing a book, giving away books to adult readers or by reading to a child. READ!
Mirthful Tip: “As the poet said, ‘Only God can make a tree’ — probably because it’s so hard to figure out how to get the bark on.” Woody Allen
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All from my personal collection.
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Related articles
- We’re Givers! Join us April 23rd for World Book Night! (teachread.wordpress.com)
- World Book Night ~ 2013 Giveaway (barefootbaroness.org)
- World Book Night is Almost Here! (bound4escape.com)
- World Book Night – Winston-Salem, NC (bookmarksmarkyourplace.wordpress.com)
- 10 Foolproof Books to Give as Gifts (flavorwire.com)
- The World Book Night 2013 (and a book sale) (anexpatinuk.wordpress.com)
- World Book Night Rocks! (samslitcafe.wordpress.com)
- W is for World Book Night (stacybuckeye.wordpress.com)
- World Book Night 2013: half a million free books to be handed out (telegraph.co.uk)
- The Gift: World Book Night 2013 (mirthandmotivation.com)
Thanks for sharing this Elizabeth. Harper Lee’s quote gets right to the point. Books that make us think!!! I was pleased that I have read many of the books on the list and now I have more titles to add to my list. We can all share books or the love of books. Good advice. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Just look at those group pictures, of people proud to be part of this.
TY Lynne! It was a blessing to give out the books to the students and all the recipients were delighted. Great book too. 🙂
Great idea and good work on your part too.
Oh Sally!! TY for your feedback and I must visit you. The project was a lot of fun. 🙂
very nice post…book give aways…how awesome is that!
Isn’t it the best? I enjoyed it. 🙂 TY!
I didn’t know this existed, Eliz. We might have to get it up and running here in Australia! 😀
You can connect with the organizers and see how you can help take it there or even donate one of your books for next year. 🙂 TY!
I’m going to do that 😉
Great! 🙂
Go for it! Keep me posted.
Wow…what a great thing Eliz…I am going to see if it is running in NZ for the future.
Go for it Jo. I believe they have a spot for such inquiries on their website. It would be great to participate. It was very rewarding for my spirit. Would do it again. 🙂
Hi Eliz, This sounds like a wonderful event. 🙂
I like Tina Fey’s book title…and she’s a great actress.
Tina is terrific and it was a joy to share her book All the recipients were glad to get a copy of her book. 🙂
Firstly I love the quote at the beginning of the post, and secondly I love how good ideas like this which start in one country soon spread across the global village
Quite right! I’m always astonished at how a simple seed idea can become a giant oak event. Love it. 🙂
What a great initiative, Elizabeth. You must have been so happy to be a part of it. 🙂 Lovely happy photos of some of the recipients.
TY Adin! It was heartwarming to give the students a special gift. I know many of them and how much this meant to them. I am grateful. 🙂
Wasn’t aware of the world book day Eliz! Sounds great. Shall check to see if they have an Indian branch. Catching up with that list shall be my new resolution. Thanks for sharing 🙂
PS: Haven’t been receiving your notifications. just dropped by to check if all was well 🙂
TY Madhu for thinking of me… Means a lot and yes, I will follow up to visit and catch up on your writings. The notifications are erratic and I don’t know what happened… All will be well. 🙂
That would be awesome if you can help them get it started in India too. The joy of it is that publishers donate the books and all we have to do is reach out and share them with new readers. Will be catching up on blog visits soon. TY! 🙂
Good info! I really enjoy your blog and have nominated you for the sunshine award. You can check it out here:
http://scsurfbutler.com/2013/05/07/sunshine-award/.
Thank you for being so kind and visiting my blog!
TY so much for thinking of me…. Much appreciated and love to you and yours. 🙂
I had no idea that April 23rd is UNESCO International Day of the Book – and I think the idea of World Book Night is fabulous. I will have so see if I can get it started here in Norway next year. Thanks for sharing.
Please do.There is a link to their site on this post. They are open to seeing this continue in more countries. TY for stopping by. 🙂
i think World Book Night is also a great idea…thanks for sharing and promoting the love for reading. ☼sunHUGS to you!
TY for checking in Sunshine… That sunny gravatar always warms my heart. It was a great way to give back and put a smile on people’s faces.
Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this before. I used to collect and donate books — haven’t since my move. Will have to see what can be done here.
I saw Claudette at a publishing seminar I helped organize — wow, it’s been a year now – time flies!
TY Marcia! Definitely look into it and see if you could get it in for 2014. Glad to hear from you… You sure know everyone! Claudette is a beautiful soul and cares a lot about the students… Good group of volunteers too. Time does fly. 🙂
Just checking in on you because it’s been weeks since you’ve posted. Hope everything is okay with you.
Thank you for thinking of me Tilly! I’ve missed you and our community a lot. Your prayers are appreciated and I promise to come back soon. All will be well… 🙂 Blessings!
Great to hear from you!
Same love. 🙂 TY!
I’ve heard of Tina Fey but never read her. Thanks for all of this. You seem so busy! 🙂
Thanks darling… I do hope you get a chance to read the book. It’s brilliant and very funny. Lots going on here and I appreciate your comment! Blessings! 🙂
What a wonderful way to share! I wonder if they have something like this here in the West Coast. I loved “Bossypants.” Try not to sip tea while you’re reading. You just might find yourself spewing tea through your nose while you suppress yourself from laughing too hard. Happened to me one evening while I was at it.
Your comment had me laughing out loud! Thank you as I need as much humor as I can find. 😆 I bet there were some volunteers in California on WBN in April. Do plan to volunteer next year as I’m sure you’d love it.
TY for thinking of me and stopping by…
I sure hope to be tuned into this next wonderful event next year. You’re so amazing to me in the way you keep up with volunteer events that don’t always make the headlines. You’re really tuned in. I have contacted WP to find out why you keep disappearing from my notifications. Once again I’ll “unfollow-follow” and see if I can hold onto you. I have missed you. ox Debra
TY Debra! Do sign up asap so you’ll be ahead of the curve for next fall. 😉
I know it’s been a long while since I checked in. I appreciate your comment and effort. I have no idea what happened with that so, I released it to the greater good. I miss you all too… a lot. Thanks for the support.
Hugs,
Eliz
That’s a good way to look at it Eliz. I need to think about that myself. Sometimes I get a bit weighted down trying to figure out where something “jumps the track” and at then not finding the answer only frustrates me! 🙂 I do try to stay in touch…we’ll let that be the bond.
You’re the best! TY for the friendship and I hope to catch up with your writings and others in the coming weeks.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
“The book to read is not the one that thinks for you
but the one that makes you think.” Harper Lee
+
“The blog to read is not the one that thinks for you
but the one that makes you think.” FrizzText
+
your blog has (had) this level,
I hope you are still O.K.?
Hi Frizztext,
Thanks for thinking of me… I really appreciate it as we go way back to those struggling days when we were building our subscriber base. I will be back soon. Hope you are doing well too.
Hugs,
Eliz
Eliz, just to let you know I’m thinking of you.
Hugs,
Susan
TY so much Susan! Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. 🙂
Hugs always,
E
Elizabeth, how have you been? It’s been a while and I am missing you. I hope everything is ok with you. 🙂
Hi Cee,
Thanks for thinking of me. I’ve been out of the loop for some time and will return soon… A lot going on but will prevail. How are you doing? Glad to hear from you. 🙂
Hugs,
E
Hi Elizabeth
Been a while since I say any new posts from you on the reader.
Finally today I came over to you space to see what you were up to. Looks like it’s been a while since you have posted. I hope you are doing alright. I guess we need a break from blogging once in a while.
Miss your inspirational pieces.
take care
Thanks for stopping by Amira. I took time out to take care of some personal matters. I check in and respond to people and I plan to return to blogging again. I appreciate the visit. 🙂
Blessings,
Elizabeth
I, too, have missed your posts…I thought there was something wrong with my email box because I had not received any notifications from your blog.:) The World Book Night activities you took part in were great.
My trip to the conference in Singapore went so well…I was glad I had taken the leap of faith and stepped outside my comfort zone. Your world travels have been an inspiration to me, Eliz.:) Prayers and loving thoughts to you that all is well.
Thank you for stopping by Vivian! It’s been a long while I know, and I’ve kept abreast of your wonderful journey. I’m happy for you and the way things are evolving. Thanks for your kind words and prayers. I’ll be back on track soon. 🙂
Take care!
Eliz
I hope you are doing well. Just checking in to see.
TY so much for thinking of me Fergie! I’m doing better and should return soon. Hope all is well with you? 🙂
Elizabeth
I’m always wondering how you are doing and if things are good for you. You are always one of my favourite people in Blogland and I miss your voice
TY for thinking of me dear one… You are truly a special friend and I’m grateful for the connection. I haven’t forgotten you and other blog friends. Miss you all too. Back soon. 🙂
Great post! Books are indeed amazing and important tools in this world.
Hope you are doing well?
TY for the feedback… I’m doing okay and looking forward to reconnecting again. 🙂
I think of you when I participate in Kozo’s monthly peace challenges. You inspired me to do so, and I’ve missed seeing all of you positive posts. I’m glad to hear from your prior comments that you’ll be back. Until then, I’m sending positive thoughts and blessings your way.
Hi D.S.,
I was touched when I got your comment. It’s easy to imagine that no one remembers… TY for stopping by to say hello.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Just checking in on you, dear Elizabeth;. Hope you are doing well 🙂
TY Celestine! How are you doing? I know it’s been a while and I hope to reconnect with everyone again… soon, I hope. 😉
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Just to let you know I’m thinking of you, and sending you my very best wishes
Thinking of you too. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with you and others soon… Hope all is well on your end? TY! 🙂
Blessings,
Elizabeth
This is a wonderful event to share free books. An inspiring event!
TY for your feedback IT! I know it’s been a while… I miss you guys terribly but I’m grateful to God to have life and getting better. Anyway, such is life but I hope to find my way back to blogging here again soon. Love and hugs to your loved ones. 🙂
I had heard of World Book Night before but I didn’t realize it had grown to the level it’s at now. It’s so nice to see how many lives are being touched by one of the greatest gifts we have – reading! I like your reasoning for choosing a funny book too.
It’s become a huge international event and growing every year. I love the idea of it and look forward to more opportunities to share books. TY!
How cool is that! I love how you thought about the particular book that you chose to give away so that it fit the need. What a great cause! I have read so many posts lately about books and reading. It has reminded me to get back into reading as it has so many benefits to it.
TY Lisa! Books allow us to escape from our worries… just like good movies. I need more time to keep up my reading too. 🙂
Such a wonderful, wonderful idea! I am a huge book worm so I can fully appreciate how wonderful this must have been to those women. Great job for volunteering!
Hello All!
Please click on leave a reply. A dialog box opens and you can add your information. I’m leaving a comment from my blogger account and I didn’t have to sign in for anything. Thanks again! 🙂
Elizabeth
I’ve never heard of world book night! What a wonderful event to spread free literature in hopes to encouraging people to read more often. 🙂
I’ve never read the book Bossy Pants, but I have seen the cover at least a few times. I’m not overly familiar with Tina Fey either. I feel so sheltered sometimes.
This is a great event to be part of! Books tell us many great stories, and give us new tools to learn with!
This is great event to share books with others. Love it
Thanks for sharing
I had no idea this day existed! I think everyone should have access to books! They are wonderful learning tools, a stimulant to the imagination and they are an escape from reality. Love books!
Great work! I had never heard of this program before! What a very inspiring event! I also learned that my DS7 son’s bday is international book day and Shakespear’s bday! Interesting!
Great event. I didn’t know about this book, so thank you for sharing:)
When I fill in my info I just come to wordpress.com log in and I don’t have that:-/
/ Jeanette
Thank you Jeanette! I don’t understand the hoopla especially as several other bloggers have the same commenting format that I have….Oy vey! 😆
I read Bossypants back when it came out a few years ago. Great book!
I enjoy book events of all types. Thanks for sharing yours, I have a new book on my reading list now. Thanks.
This looks like such a fun event! I would love to try this around here!
This is a really great idea and a great program! Congratulations! And the book looks like a lot of fun! All the best wishes to all participants!
Thank you for sharing this. I didn’t even know that there was a world book night. Its good the day coincide with Shakespeare birthday. Thanks for sharing do you know when it is this year? Does it happen on the exact day every year or happen on the same day of the week every year?
Pamela
It’s scheduled as close to the same date as possible. Always in April. And this year it will be on the 23rd. There is a link to their site on this post. Lots of info there. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this liz. I hadn’t heard of this before, But this is a wonderful program, Well now I willI have more titles to add on to my list
This is such a great idea! I wonder if we have something like this in Canada. I love books & both of my boys are bookworms donating books they outgrow 🙂
The gift of laughter is an amazing gift to give and top receive. Congrats to the organization and recipients.
I love Tina Fey! I bet I would love that book! I need to start celebrating World Book Night. 🙂
I never knew that there was a World Book Day. I learn something new everyday. Now point me in the direction of free books! (I’m a bit book obsessed).
Tina Fey is great! I will definitely be looking for this. What a great thing you’re doing and I’m sure everyone who’s a part of it also appreciates and loves it.