Book Lovers! Celebrate the Day to Enrich the Centuries

Avid Book readers commemorate the Book Lovers Day world over on August 9. It is an annual ritual for the last decade or so. Want to know what is there to celebrate and How? Let us begin our quest with Mona!

An admirer of books or An Avid Book Reader: Bibliophile

Nearly for a decade now, August 9 is celebrated as National Book Lover day globally. Bookworms, Avid Book readers, or admirers whatever we may call them, celebrate August 9 with a newfound zeal and fervor to honor the books. It is yet to ascertain, who started the ritual—but it hardly matters. As a book lover, I rejoice in the fact that people renew their aspirations and passions on this day. Bookstores and libraries are flocked and the book reading spirit is being rekindled for the next generations and centuries. The bibliophiles continue their old-age tradition of loving, reading, and collecting books.

Passion for books is not newfound. In fact, book lovers existed since the Divinity wrote the first scrolls. Books have long shared man’s boredom, told stories, archived history, and shared knowledge. Roman Philosopher Cicero |Very passionate writer and zealous book collector| once said “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need". This quote defines the passion of a bibliophile and explains the essence of a book lover’s day.

A Little About History and Significance of Books and the Book Lover’s Day

History is oft confounded, due to the perplexities of rumors, mysteries, and inadequacies but the books are not. Books have always spread the knowledge in true letters and spirits, clearly and precisely. The earliest form of books were carved inscriptions on stone and clay tablets used in 3 millennium BCE by the Sumerians—permanent, indelible but too heavy to lift and move. Soon writing on skin parchments and stem marrows evolved, around 2400 BCE. Hence, portable books could be designed.

 The books were reduced in size but easier to carry, hence were easily stolen as well. I fancy the enlightened and true lovers who stole their beloved. Anyways this lead the bookbinders to craft books with stronger spines so that librarians can chain them to the bookshelves. Sounds funny but trust me it was the biggest marvel of times—you may be right to think that the first means of securing intellectual property were devised as well.

Book reading is a useful activity for academics, professionals, and even for pleasure-seeking as well. One is always learning a new thing. It helps us to understand the intricate puzzles of life and develop new ideas. Yet a substantial percentage of children do not enjoy the pleasures and fruits of book reading. Although the post-COVID-19 lockdown survey displays an encouraging trend where 55.9% of children expressed that they enjoying reading (The National Literacy Trust Survey). Still, nearly half of all teenagers (9 to 18-year-olds) are yet to develop the joy of reading.

The younger generation needs to develop the love and affection of books for the development of their analytical faculties and enhancement of knowledge. Schools are doing a really fine job to develop a love for reading books in children. We as individuals must play our part as well in the collective growth of society. We can improve the well-being, sense of compassion, social values, communication, and lifestyle of the children by encouraging them to love reading.

Book-reading is in fact a very enriching habit and it should be celebrated daily, to cherish the jubilant essence of National Book Lovers Day. National Book Lovers Day is an opportunity to celebrate the eternal wisdom and benevolence of books for mankind. The day offers a renewed global focus enabling us to share our love of reading.

How to Commemorate the National Book Lovers Day?

 Most of us want a readymade solution to change our lives and attain great fortune. We often want to become successful but never read “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey”, we fancy great beach bodies but never read “The Fitness Mindset by Brian Keane”, or didn’t even bother to read “The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma” despite vehemently aspiring a healthy lifestyle. What does it take? Just browse any of the online book stores and ordering the book online. Well! This national book lover day 2021 can be a day of intervention for all of us who never touched a book in our life before — let's read to get professional competence, perfect bodies, and an ideal life. Bibliophiles already enjoy the bounties and may help to extend the favors to all others.

Let's observe #NationalBookLoversDay

The biggest party of National Book Lovers Day is going to take place at your special corner. Find a cozy spot, sit back calmly, and READ!! I have got lots of additional ideas if you are in the mood for a longer celebration!

• Read a new book or one of the books you always wanted to read. Log into to Book Depository and order beforehand to enjoy the celebrations. Select a title to gift your near ones.
• Check out Abebooks for used books. Your eyes might catch a rare one for your fabulous books collection.
• Hold a book review meet for your friends and family.
• Take the kids to the nearest bookstore or library.
• Read to your children and record the moments in a video. 
• Pick a random person in your office or on the street and gift a book. 
• Have a book-themed party for parents and kids. Kids can dress as Paddington, Harry Potter, or any of their famous book characters and bring along a book as well to read their favorite part.
• Arrange a book reading session for kids admitted at local children's hospital.

As a concluding thought, I must reiterate that while reading is important, it is more significant that we inculcate the habit in young ones to share the joys and benefits of reading. We can always attract them to follow by setting a personal lead. Pick your favorite novel or get to know the last book the kiddos borrowed from the shelf. Read with them and share with us your reads too!

Follow the precautions! Stay safe and celebrate.