If you love a book, then give it away. Isn’t that how the saying goes?
World Book Night launched in the UK in 2011, with thousands of people handing out copies of paperbacks. This year, it’s taking place in the U.S. too, on April 23, with plans to give away a MILLION books for free to “new or light readers.” The list of books includes lots of great titles, including The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Little Bee by Chris Cleave, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Colllins, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, and many more.
Want to get involved? Apply to be a volunteer WBN Giver—the deadline is February 1! You don’t need to buy the books; you just have to explain which book you want to give away, why you love it, and where you plan to give your copies. If you’re chose, you’ll pick up 20 copies of your chosen book at a local bookstore to give away on April 23. Says the event’s website:
Q. Do I have to buy the books?
A. There is no charge for these special, not for resale editions. We’re just looking for enthusiastic readers to help get some books into the hands of new and light readers. Givers will be responsible for any expenses incurred in picking up their carton and distributing the books. We expect that such expenses will be negligible. World Book Night U.S. is supported by American book publishers, the American Booksellers Association, Barnes & Noble, the American Library Association, the Association of American Publishers, and Ingram Book Distributors. Through their generosity, we are able to make the books available free of charge.
To apply or find other ways to get involved, visit the World Book Night website.
