“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 a perfect choice; during tough times, smart planning and maintaining a sense of humor can help us develop effective coping skills. More below!
