Beyond Poetry - Other Literary/Bookish Events in April

We all know that April is National Poetry Month, but there are other celebrations of books and reading happening in April that you should know about. Here are a few.

Every year since 1967, International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books. It is celebrated on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, the second of April. (View the poster and message.)

The week of April 12th-18th is National Library Week. During this time we celebrate "the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and promote library use and support." This year's theme is "Worlds connect @ your library." (Download the poster.)

World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23rd. Sponsored by UNESCO, the goal of this day is to "pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity." (Download the poster.)

April 30th is the 12th anniversary of the celebration Día. Día is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Thanks to the efforts of Pat Mora, the day was expanded to link the celebration of childhood and children with literacy and became known as El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day). (Download the brochure.)

Okay, I do need to add one poetry event. April 30th is also the second national Poem In Your Pocket Day. Simply select a poem you love and carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends.