International Literacy Day Activities

International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on September 8 to raise global awareness about the importance of literacy.

Looking to honor this special occasion this year? We have put together a list of six International Literacy Day Activities you can do to celebrate. Read on for some ideas!

1. Thank an Educator

Teachers, principals, librarians, tutors — educators work hard to help us learn and grow. Your gift in their honor will recognize their hard work this school year while supporting Room to Read's Literacy Program and Girls Education Program. In honor of International Literacy Day, we celebrate their dedication and invite you to send an e-card to Room to Read educators.

Customize and send an e-card now! 

2. Share a photo on social media of your favorite library or reading space

At Room to Read, we believe that libraries are magical places where children can get lost in the joy and magic of a good book. Libraries can take many different forms, big and small — whether it’s your local public library or the reading corner in your home. Let’s show libraries some love this International Literacy Day! We invite you to share a photo on social media of your favorite library or reading space using the hashtag #LibrariesAreMagicalPlaces. And don’t forget to tag @RoomtoRead so we can share the magic of libraries all across the globe.

3. Create your own digital library for free on Literacy Cloud

What better way to celebrate International Literacy Day than to create your own digital library on Literacy Cloud, Room to Read’s digital library! To date, Literacy Cloud has more than 3,000 digital titles in 41 languages, so readers around the world can find books to enjoy.

Register for your free Literacy Cloud account today.

4. Get Involved with She Creates Change

Did you know Room to Read published its very own book? In partnership with Rebel Girls, "She Creates Change" features stories of courageous girls from our programs along with their role models. Full of activities to help young girls write their own stories, identify strengths, and interview heroes, "She Creates Change" celebrates rebels who create new paths for themselves. And what better time to do these activities than International Literacy Day?

Download the e-book and spearhead your own activities today!

5. Donate to Room to Read to help Fill Every Shelf

There is no such thing as too many books. We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that prepares them to lead fulfilled lives and make positive change — in their families, communities and the world. Room to Read recognizes that deep disparity and education inequity exists throughout the world. When you fill a shelf, you're not just providing books — you're creating safe spaces where children can discover the joy of reading, develop critical literacy skills, and build the foundation for lifelong learning.

Celebrate International Literacy Day by filling shelves with possibility — because every child deserves the chance to write their own story of success. Donate to Room to Read to help ensure that children across the globe can stay connected to the resources they need to access a quality education. 

6. Dive into a new book

There’s no better International Literacy Day activity than picking up a book and reading! Today, and every day, we encourage you to make time to dive into a book that sparks joy, learning and adventure. Our Book Creator Collective brings together celebrated writers who share our passion for nurturing the next generation of readers. Discover works from these literary wonders and discover what inspires them — you may just find a new favorite book! 

Other International Literacy Day Activities

There are countless ways to celebrate International Literacy Day. You can visit your local library, start a book club with your friends or explore our website to learn more ways you can support Room to Read on our mission to end illiteracy and gender inequality. You have the power to create change in your own community and communities around the world.