World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day is observed each year on the first Wednesday of February to celebrate reading aloud as a shared experience that supports literacy and connection. The day was founded in 2010 by author and literacy advocate Pam Allyn through her nonprofit organization LitWorld.

The purpose of World Read Aloud Day is to promote literacy as a fundamental right for all children and to show how reading aloud supports language development, empathy, and connection. By encouraging people of all ages to share stories, the day highlights reading aloud as a simple way to bring families, classrooms, and communities together around books.

When is World Read Aloud Day Celebrated?

World Read Aloud Day is observed each year on the first Wednesday of February. Here are the upcoming dates to help you plan your participation in this global reading event.

How People Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day centers on sharing stories in ways that are simple, inclusive, and accessible. People of all ages take part at home, in schools, and online using a variety of formats:

• Read together at home: Families and friends read aloud to one another, often taking turns or setting aside time for a shared reading session.

• Classroom and library events: Schools and libraries host read-aloud sessions, story hours, and group readings, sometimes featuring visiting authors or community members.

• Virtual guest readers: In recent years, authors, educators, and public figures have joined classrooms by video call to read stories and talk about books.

• Social media sharing: Participants post short reading clips, photos of reading spaces, or favorite book passages using #WorldReadAloudDay.

• Supporting global literacy: The day also encourages donations and advocacy for literacy programs, helping extend access to books and reading opportunities worldwide.