What Is International Literacy Day? 

Every year on September 8th, people all over the world come together to celebrate International Literacy Day. First introduced by UNESCO in 1966, this day serves as a reminder that reading and writing are not just classroom skills—they are gateways to opportunity, imagination, and independence. 

Since its first celebration in 1967, International Literacy Day has highlighted how important literacy is in our everyday lives. The ability to read a newspaper, understand a prescription, fill out an application form, or simply enjoy a novel is something many of us take for granted. Yet, millions around the world still struggle without these basic skills. The day is about raising awareness of that gap, while also celebrating the power of books and stories to bridge it. 

Celebrating Literacy Through Books 

Books are at the heart of this celebration. They remind us that literacy is not only about being able to read words, but also about experiencing stories that stay with us long after we put the book down. 

At Austin Macauley Publishers, countless authors have poured their experiences, creativity, and voices into books that can inspire readers to think differently, see the world in new ways, and feel connected to the human experience. This International Literacy Day, we’d like to spotlight some remarkable titles worth exploring: 

• More Than Survive 

• An Accusing Finger 

• The Malpais Legate 

• Impact 

• Phoenix Rising: My Journey with Bipolar Disorder 

• Black Swan Shock 

• A Secret No More 

• Every Bad Thing 

• Texas Church Camp 

• Love Comes More Than Once 

From thought-provoking memoirs to gripping novels, these works celebrate the diversity of voices that literacy allows us to hear. They are proof that stories can inspire, challenge, and comfort us. 

How You Can Celebrate International Literacy Day 

International Literacy Day isn’t only about reflecting on the importance of reading—it’s about taking action, even in small ways, to keep the love of literacy alive. Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate: 

1. Read Something New 

Pick up a book that you wouldn’t normally read. It could be a genre you’ve never tried or an author whose work is unfamiliar. By stepping into new stories, we stretch our imaginations and open ourselves to perspectives we might otherwise miss. 

2. Share Your Books 

If you have shelves lined with books you’ve already read, consider donating them to a library, school, or community centre. A book gathering dust in one home could become a treasure in someone else’s. Sharing books is one of the simplest ways to spread the joy of reading. 

3. Encourage Young Readers 

Take the time to read with children—your own, your relatives, or even through volunteer programs. A bedtime story or a shared chapter can spark a lifelong love of reading. When children see that books can be fun, magical, and engaging, they’re more likely to keep turning the pages on their own. 

4. Support Authors and Publishers 

Behind every book is an author who devoted countless hours to shaping their story, and a publisher who helped bring it to life. Supporting their work—whether by buying a book, leaving a review, or simply recommending it to a friend—helps keep the cycle of literacy alive. 

5. Talk About Literacy 

Finally, use your voice. Share on social media why reading matters to you, or encourage friends and family to pick up a new book. Sometimes, a simple conversation about a story you loved can inspire someone else to begin reading. 

International Literacy Day is a chance to pause and appreciate the gift of reading. It reminds us that while literacy is a basic skill, it is also a powerful tool for growth, empathy, and understanding. Each story we read adds something to our lives, whether it’s knowledge, perspective, or comfort. 

So, this September 8th, celebrate by opening a book, sharing one with someone else, or encouraging a child to start their reading journey. Because when we nurture literacy, we nurture possibility. 

Connect with Austin Macauley Publishers for more such blogs, and submit your manuscript if you want to publish your work. You can also make a quick and easy submission through the online submission form. You can stay updated with our new releases and activities by joining our family of authors and readers on Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram.