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Celebrate the Joy of Reading on National Book Lovers Day

by Jennifer Kowalczyk • Published on
Image by Freepik
Education

On August 9th, bibliophiles and authors delight… It's National Book Lovers Day!

You read that right; it’s time to celebrate the joys of a good book. From Dr. Seuss to the Bard, picture books and great works of literature alike can take readers on adventures to exciting, unfamiliar worlds, challenge us with new ideas, and introduce characters who stay in our hearts and minds for a lifetime. By instilling a love of reading in young children we not only create budding bookworms but young people who grow up to be strong critical thinkers and empathetic adults.

Today, readers of all ages enjoy books in so many ways – paperback, hardcover, audiobook, graphic novel, e-book and more! But you don’t have to take our word for it… With classic series like Reading Rainbow and The Great American Read, online platforms like PBS Books, and community initiatives like the Hallock Giving Library at Mountain Lake PBS, there are endless ways to experience the written word.

Keep scrolling for tips and activities to foster literacy in young readers and videos sure to engage book lovers in middle and high school.

Jump to article sections:

Spark A Love Of Reading
Activities, Games & More
Local Author Visits

Spark A Lifetime Love Of Reading

Grades Pre K-K

Every Child Is a Reader (Even If They Can’t Yet Read the Words)

When most of us think about children and reading, we focus on reading the words. So let’s take a closer look at two other ways kids can read.

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Grades Pre K-3

Great Adventures Start with a Story

Just like Clifford and Emily Elizabeth in Clifford the Big Red Dog, parents and young children can be inspired by books and stories to go on grand adventures.

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Grades K-3

Five Tips to Make Reading Fun for Your Child

Making reading fun for kids is easier than it may first seem. Here are some ideas to try all year round!

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Grades 3-8

Your Brain on Books | Spot on Science

Turns out reading isn’t just about getting a good story! Margaret from Spot on Science explains the benefits of reading, including increased vocabulary and empathy. 

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Grades 6-12

It’s Lit! Collection

It’s Lit! is a series of smart, funny video essays from PBS Digital Studios about our favorite books and why we love to read. Hosted by Lindsay Ellis and Princess Weekes, the series delves into topics like the evolution of YA, how science fiction mirrors our own anxieties, and why the book is sometimes just a bit better than the movie.

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Activities, Games & More

All Ages

Book Cookies

Bake these book cookies for a literary twist on a delicious DIY treat you wont want to put down! Decorate with some of your favorite titles, or make up new stories of your own.

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Grades Pre K-K

Sesame Street Storybook Builder Game

Your child can design his own storybook featuring their favorite Sesame Street characters in this pick-your-own-adventure game.

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Grades Pre K-3

9 Early Literacy Activities For Kids

These activities will fill your home with letters, sounds and word fun and support your child’s reading and writing adventures!

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Grades Pre K-4

Picture Books About Writers and Writing

Celebrate the art of writing in all its various forms with these ten picture books about writers and writing that will tickle your children’s funny bones and teach them some history too.

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Grades 6-12

MN Original | Minnesota Center for Book Arts

The largest center of its kind in the world, the Minnesota Center for Book Arts celebrates the art of making books. Learn about the broader, evolving concept of bookmaking as an art form and then use the activity guide to adapt a favorite story of your own into an unconventional book.

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Mountain Lake PBS Author Visits

Join us as we journey into the lives and work of amazing writers in our community with Author Visits! This online series explores the inspiration behind writing, producing, and publishing books.

Author Kate Messner’s Time-traveling Dog Makes Waves

Kate Messner, author of many acclaimed books for kids, discusses her “Ranger in Time” series of historical fiction for kids with Spotlight producer Paul Larson. Messner’s fictional golden retriever has helped children facing disasters like the Titanic sinking and the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. The author also talks about her book for young adults, “Breakout,” inspired by the 2015 prison break at Dannemora. 

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Spark a love of reading for young people in the greater Plattsburgh community. Consider a generous donation to the Tristan Fund to help provide essential support to the Hallock Giving Library at Mountain Lake PBS. The Hallock Giving Library provides free books to over 1,500 children every year.