On April 23, 2014 Reading instructors from Saint Paul College partnered with West 7th Community Center for World Book Night, a campaign to give thousands of free paperbacks to light or non-readers. Over 100 books were given out to senior citizens, young adults, and parents of children in after school programs at the community center that day. Choices were The Lighthouse Road by Peter Geye, Pontoon by Garrison Keillor, Hoot by Carl Hiassen, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, Bobcat and Other Stories by Rebecca Lee, and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
Across the country on April 23 25,000 volunteers promoted reading by going into communities and handing out 500,000 books, often to those without means or access to a printed book. The event is in its third year in the U.S., and is held on April 23 each year – Shakespeare’s birthday. As part of World Book Night, 2,300 bookstores and libraries serve as community organizers for book distribution to the volunteer givers. The 39 books handed out are an array of award-winning and bestselling adult and YA authors, as well as classics, books in Spanish, and books in large print. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer giver or want to learn more about the event, visit the website at
http://www.worldbooknight.org/
Jennie Olsen-Sartain and Celeste Mazur on World Book Night
