Tens of thousands of people went out into their communities to spread the joy and love of reading on World Book Night, an annual celebration that was held in the U.S. and U.K. on April 23. Publishers donated 20 specially-produced, not-for-resale paperback copies to each volunteer, who chose their favorite from a list of 30 popular titles. Eleven volunteers selected Sachem Library as their pick-up site for a range of books including Enders Game, The Lovely Bones, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and The Poisonwood Bible, which they distributed in locations as diverse as a cancer center, juvenile detention center, supermarket, nursing home, and middle school.
Volunteer Terry Lucas, who gave out 20 copies of John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany at Southampton Hospital, Rite Aid, and a movie theater, reported, “No-one refused a book and all in all it was a happy World Book Night!”
Jessica Howard, who distributed copies of Steven King’s The Stand at a birthday party, enthused, “I met some new people, gave away my books, promoted World Book Night and got some book recommendations for myself,” adding, “I had the best time!”
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If you would like to participate next year, sign up for the World Book Night online mailing list at their website to receive advance word about volunteer registration.
