The countdown is on! With just one week to go, have you decided what you will read on National Readathon Day, Saturday May 21?
A fundraising and social media awareness campaign dedicated to promoting children’s literacy and reading at any age, National Readathon Day is an opportunity to join with your favorite authors and fellow readers across the country by using the hashtag #Readathon2016 to share your love of books and reading. Last year, the first-ever National Readathon Day succeeded in raising $100,000 benefiting the National Book Foundation and their efforts to support literacy and to deliver books to underserved communities. This year, all funds raised will benefit the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read initiative, which promotes literacy development in children from birth to age 5 through programs in public libraries nationwide.
Here are three ways you can get involved:
1. Join the conversation In the run-up to and during Readathon Day, use the hashtag #Readathon2016 to spread the word. Tell your friends how you plan to celebrate, or challenge them to see who can read more on the big day. Visit the Readathon Share page for shareable images, videos, and Gifs, and be sure to follow the hashtag to see how other readers like you will be celebrating and supporting childhood literacy.
2. Host or attend a Readathon Day party Need an excuse to gather together with friends and family? Host a Readathon Day Party! Visit the Readathon Day reading parties page for ideas on how to host a party and be sure to share pictures and videos of your party on social media. 3. Make a commitment to support early childhood literacy Visit the National Readathon Day fundraising page to make a contribution to support ALA’s childhood literacy programs throughout the country and encourage your audience to do the same by sharing on social media. We hope you will join us in supporting National Readathon Day and childhood literacy programs nationwide. Click here for more tips on what to read for #Readathon2016 and to sign up for emails. If you have questions, would like to host a Readathon Day event, or to become more involved please email the Readathon Team at Readathon@PenguinRandomHouse.com.
