How You Can Celebrate National Book Week
National Book Week is more than just a seven-day event; it's a chance to build a stronger reading culture in our homes and communities. So, this September, pick up a book, get comfy, and join the celebration. You'll be surprised at how much a simple story can change your day. Here's a list of 7 easy things you can do to celebrate at home.
Get ready, book lovers! South Africa's National Book Week is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to celebrate the joy of reading. Held annually from 5 to 11 September, this initiative by the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) and the Department of Arts and Culture is all about encouraging a love for books and boosting our nation's literacy. The celebration is extra special as it includes International Literacy Day on the 8th of September.
Reading isn't just for school—it's a fun and easy way to learn new things, explore different worlds, and even improve your own life. And the best part is, you don't need a fancy budget or a huge library to get involved. Here are some simple, practical, and affordable ideas for how you can participate in National Book Week.
1. Visit Your Local Library
When was the last time you stepped into your community library? Now's the perfect opportunity! Libraries are incredible, free resources packed with books, magazines, and even digital content. Take the family for a visit, get a library card (if you don't have one), and lose yourself in the aisles. Many libraries also host special events for National Book Week, like storytelling sessions for kids or author talks.
2. Start a Book Swap with Friends or Family
Got a shelf full of books you've already read? Don't let them gather dust! Organise a mini book swap with your friends, colleagues, or family members. Everyone brings a book they're ready to part with, and you all get to leave with something new to read. It's a fantastic way to refresh your reading list without spending a cent.
3. Have a "Drop Everything and Read" Session
Make reading a fun event at home. Designate a specific time each day during National Book Week—even just 15 or 20 minutes—where everyone in the household, from little ones to grown-ups, puts down their phones and reads. It can be a book, a magazine, or even a newspaper. This simple activity reinforces the idea that reading is a valued part of your daily routine.
4. Clean Your Home Library
This week, give your personal library the love it deserves! Dust off your bookshelves, wipe down the covers of your books, and arrange them in a way that makes you happy. You could organise them by author, genre, or even by colour for a visually stunning look. This simple act of tidying up can help you rediscover old favourites and make your reading space feel fresh and inviting.
5. Read to Someone
Reading to someone else is a powerful way to share a story and connect. While you can read to anyone, from an elderly family member to a friend, the best people to read to are children. Reading aloud is a powerful tool that helps kids develop language skills, ignite their imagination, and foster a lifelong love for stories. Even if it's just one bedtime story each night, it makes a huge difference.
6. Discover a New South African Author
National Book Week is a great time to support our local talent. Pop into a bookstore or browse an online retailer and pick up a book by a South African author you've never read before. There are so many incredible voices to discover, writing across all genres, from thrilling fiction to moving memoirs.
7. Share Your Reading Journey Online
Use social media to spread the word and inspire others! Take a photo of the book you're reading, share a favourite quote, or recommend a book to your followers. Be sure to follow local publishers and bookstores online too—they often announce special events, book launches, and author meet-and-greets you can attend. Join the national conversation by using hashtags like #SALiteracyWeek2025, #ReadSA, #NationalBookWeek, and #LiteracyDaySA.
Books from Pan Macmillan South Africa for your #NationalBookWeek #TBR pile:
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Pan Macmillan South Africa supports the Publishers' Association of South Africa’s call to action where National Book Week and International Literacy Day is concerned. If you want to find out more about their initiatives, read this newsletter:
