Join Penguin Random House and the American Library Association for #READATHON2016
Visit our new home at ReadathonDay.com to participate in National Readathon Day on Saturday, May 21, 2016, to benefit the American Library Association.
David Milgrim Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what David Milgrim has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join him and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about David Milgrim.
Our Authors Talk About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy our authors talking about the power of books and their passion for reading. Join them and your fellow readers Saturday, January 24 on National Readathon Day, and make #TimeToRead!
Click the Video link in the categories list to your right to watch full-length videos from authors Khaled Hosseini, Ken Follett, Ina Garten, and more. Be sure to check back daily for new videos leading up to the Readathon on Saturday, January 24.
You might take for granted how easy it is for you to read this sentence, but millions of Americans still struggle with basic literacy. 40% of American adults are either at or below basic reading proficiency, and 14% are fully illiterate. But the trouble doesn’t stop there. Each year, millions of Americans — especially our youth — are losing touch with the power and importance of reading books. As Malcolm X said, “People don’t realize how a whole life can be changed by one book.”
Help change lives this winter by celebrating National Readathon Day with Penguin Random House, GoodReads, Mashable, and the National Book Foundation. Together with your support, we hope to help fund their efforts to educate, tutor, create and sustain a lifelong love of reading.
You can get involved by joining readers across America in a marathon reading session on Saturday, January 24. From Noon – 4 PM in our respective time zones, we will sit and read a book in our own home, library, school or bookstore.
Get started now by creating your own Firstgiving Fundraising page, and inviting friends and family to donate, or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
If you represent a bookstore, library or school, we invite your venue to host a “reading party” during the Readathon, so your local community can gather and read together. You can also create a fundraising team (named for your bookstore or library), enabling your community to fund raise together as a group to contribute to the National Book Foundation’s efforts to promote reading in America. Visit our Readathon Resources page for supporting materials and information on how to get started.
And be sure to share your experiences and photos using the hash tag, #timetoread!
Annabelle GurwitchTalks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Annabelle Gurwitch has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join her and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Annabelle Gurwitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fundraising target?
Each individual or team can set their own fundraising target, by creating a National Readathon fundraising page on Firstgiving: individuals can get started here and teams can build their team page here. Any dollar amount raised is immensely helpful and will benefit the National Book Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit. We’ll be announcing prizes throughout January for reaching different dollar amounts, so stay tuned for more about those incentives!
What book should I plan to read for the National Readathon?
Great question — you can read any book at all! The time commitment is four hours, so this might be a great opportunity to tackle that challenging longer book that’s been sitting on your nightstand. Or maybe you want to bring a whole pile of books, and read a bit from each. Khaled Hosseini plans to read The Children Act by Ian McEwan; novelist Emma Straub plans to read Evelyn Waugh as well as some Babar; and the National Book Foundation’s Executive Director Harold Augenbraum plans to read the Lemony Snicket’s The Bad Beginning.
Delia EphronTalks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Delia Ephron has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join her and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Delia Ephron.
How to Participate in the Readathon
How to Get Started
If you’re a reader:
- Create your own Firstgiving Fundraising page to benefit The National Book Foundation.
- Invite friends and family to donate to your effort.
- Check back into this site to find a participating venue near you or encourage your local bookstore or library to host a reading party.
- Join us for National Readathon Day on January 24th from 12noon-4pm and make #timetoread!
How to Host an Event
If you’re a bookstore, library, school, or other venue:
- Tell us that you plan to host a Readathon party by emailing us at readathon@penguinrandomhouse.com
- Visit our Resources section and download supporting materials. Be one of the first 200 venues to sign up and we’ll ship a Readathon Day poster to you.
- Promote National Readathon Day in your store or library by displaying event signage and promoting it in your newsletter and social media efforts leading up to the day.
- Join us for National Readathon Day on January 24th from 12noon-4pm and make #timetoread!
Storify: National Readathon Day 2015- #timetoread
January 28, 2015 — It’s National Readathon Day! Everyone is taking #timetoread! What book will you read today? Read more at Storify.
C-SPAN: Jynne Martin on National Readathon Day
January 14, 2015 — Jynne Martin spoke by telephone about the first National Readathon Day…Read more at C-SPAN.
Shelf Awareness: National Readathon Day Makes Debut This Saturday
January 20, 2015 — To promote National Readathon Day, which makes its debut this Saturday, January 24, and is sponsored by the National Book Foundation, Penguin Random House, GoodReads and Mashable, 15 authors appear in a video discussing why reading is important and what they like to read…Read more at Shelf Awareness.
The Boston Globe: 5 things to do in Boston Jan. 19-25
January 18, 2014 — As if you needed a reason to cozy up with a good book on a midwinter’s day, this Saturday marks the first National Readathon Day, created by GoodReads, Mashable, and Penguin Random House and benefiting the National Book Foundation…Read more at the Boston Globe.
The Miami Herald: National Readathon: Books for a good cause
January 16, 2015 — Need an excuse to sit around and read a day away? Next weekend is your chance...Read more at The Miami Herald.
Chicago Tribune: Chicago area libraries gear up for National Readathon Day
January 15, 2015 — Saturday is National Readathon Day, a fundraiser for the National Book Foundation’s literacy programs. Similar to a walkathon, the Readathon is a pledge-based fundraiser that will run from noon-4 p.m…Read more at Chicago Tribune.
Galleycat: National Readathon Day to Take Place in January 2015
January 8, 2015 — The National Book Foundation, Penguin Random House, Goodreads, and Mashable are partnering together to host the first ever National Readathon Day… Keep reading at Galleycat.
Gretchen Rubin Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Gretchen Rubin has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join her and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Gretchen Rubin.
Simon Doonan Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Simon Doonan has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join him and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Simon Doonan.
Rick Reilly Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Rick Reilly has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join him and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Rick Reilly.
Jim Cramer Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Jim Cramer has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join him and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Readathon Resources for Bookstores, Libraries, and Schools
Bookstores, libraries, and schools can host a “reading party” on Saturday, January 24 from Noon – 4 PM.
First, let us know that you plan to host a Readathon party by emailing us at readathon@penguinrandomhouse.com. The first 100 venues to enroll will receive a free Readathon poster to support your event!
Next, be sure to list the event on your January events calendars, write about it in your newsletters, and begin talking about the event with your regular customers, readers or students. You can download any of the posters, banners, logos and graphics below to post to your website, use in your newsletter, or print out for display.
Download Readathon One Sheet for helpful tips and information
Download #TimeToRead Shareable Image (600x600) to post on social media (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download #TimeToRead Shareable Giraffe Image (720x648) to post on social media (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download #TimeToRead Shareable Bookworm Image (691x540) to post on social media (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download #TimeToRead Shareable Open Book Image (600x600) to post on social media (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download #TimeToRead Shareable Seal Image (600x150) to post on social media (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download Readathon Banner Ad (480x120 px) (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download Readathon Save the Date (220x250 px) (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download the Readathon Printable Poster (6000x7501 px) (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Download Readathon Logo (1062x596 px) (click the link above or image below, right click the resulting image, and save to your computer)
Jacqueline Woodson Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Jacqueline Woodson has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join her and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Jacqueline Woodson.
Ina Garten Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Ina Garten has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join her and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Ina Garten.
Ken Follett Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Ken Follett has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join him and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Ken Follett.
Khaled Hosseini Talks About National Readathon Day
Watch and listen to the video below to enjoy what Khaled Hosseini has to say about the power of books and reading–and be sure to join him and your fellow readers on National Readathon Day and make #TimeToRead.
Click here to learn more about Khalid Hosseini.
Publishers Weekly: National Book Foundation Draws Partners for Readathon
November 11, 2014 — On Your Marks: The National Book Foundation, GoodReads, Mashable and Penguin Random House have partnered to launch a National Readathon Day on Jan. 24, 2015 . . . Keep reading at NPR.
NPR Book News: On Your Marks
November 11, 2014 — On Your Marks: The National Book Foundation, GoodReads, Mashable and Penguin Random House have partnered to launch a National Readathon Day on Jan. 24, 2015 . . . Keep reading at NPR.
Shelf Awareness: National Readathon Day Debuts January 24
November 11, 2014 — The National Book Foundation, GoodReads, Mashable and Penguin Random House are creating National Readathon Day, which will take place on Saturday, January 24, 12-4 p.m. (in each respective time zone) . . . Keep reading at Shelf Awareness.
LA Times:First National Readathon Day planned for Jan. 24, 2015
November 11, 2014 — Wouldn’t you like to curl up with a good book for four hours straight some gray Saturday in January? Penguin Random House hopes so. The publisher is behind the efforts to launch America’s first National Readathon Day, Jan. 24, 2015, from noon to 4 p.m . . . Keep reading at LA Times.
Bustle: National Readathon Day Scheduled For January 24, So Start Thinking About Your Book
November 11, 2014 — Do you hate it when you have to stop reading for silly things like dinner or the fact that you’ve arrived at your subway stop? If given the choice, could you curl up with a good book for hours? Is getting lost in a good story your favorite way to pass time? Then you will love the brand new National Readathon Day. . . Keep reading on Bustle
The Washington Post: Grab a good book for National Readathon Day
November 11, 2014 — Finally, a crusade for couch potatoes. For this valiant race, you just need to take a seat, settle in and read: The National Book Foundation has declared that Jan. 24 will be National Readathon Day. . . Keep reading on washingtonpost.com
Arkansas
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, Jonesboro, AZ
Pope County Library System, Russellville, AR
California
Skylight Books, Los Angeles, CA
South Pasadena High School, South Pasadena, CA
Micah House Literary, Redlands, CA
Napa Bookmine, Napa, CA
Clairemont High School San Diego, CA
La Quinta Public Library, La Quinta, CA
East Palo Alto Library, East Palo Alto, CA
Atherton Library, Atherton, CA
Brentwood School, Los Angeles, CA
Pleasant Valley State Prison, Coalinga, CA
Books On Broadway, Costa Mesa, CA
Ethnic Notions Bookstore, American Canyon, CA
Fresno County Office of Education, Fresno, CA
San Diego Public Library – North University Community Library, San Diego, CA
Canada
Ingersoll Public Library, Ingersoll, ON
Sylvan Lake Municipal Library, Sylvan Lake, AB
Grand Forks and District Public Library, Grand Forks, BC
Connecticut
Manchester Community College – Pi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Manchester, CT
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Stamford, CT
Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CA
Stratford Library, Stratford, CA
Colorado
North High School, Denver, CO
The Book Rack, Denver, CO
Westminster Public Library – College Hill Library, Westminster, CO
Pi Beta Phi chapter at Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
District of Columbia
Kramerbooks & Afterwords, Washington, DC
Politics & Prose, Washington, DC
Florida
Winter Park Public Library, Winter Park, FL
Broward County Library – Margate Catharine Young Branch, Margate, FL
Renewals Bookshop, New Smyrna Beach, FL
McLane Middle School, Brandon, FL
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, Ruskin, FL
Georgia
Bradwell Institute, Hinesville, GA
The Bookshelf, Thomasville, GA
The Book Stop, Smyrna, GA
Avid Bookshop, Athens, GA
South Georgia Regional Library System, Valdosta, GA
Idaho
Meridian Library, Meridian, ID
East Bonner County Library, Sandpoint, ID
Illinois
Chicago Public Library – Roosevelt Branch, Chicago, IL
Plainfield Public Library, Plainfield, IL
Evergreen Park Public Library, Evergreen Park, Illinois
Palos Heights Library, Palos Heights, IL
Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines, IL
King City Books, Mt. Vernon, IL
King City Books, Mt. Vernon, IL
McHenry Public Library, McHenry, IL
Pembroke Public Library, Pembroke Township, IL
Indiana
Barnes & Noble, Fort Wayne, IN
St. Joseph County Public Library – Centre Township Branch, South Bend, IN
St. Joseph County Public Library – Francis Branch, South Bend, IN
St. Joseph County Public Library – River Park Branch, South Bend, IN
Linton Public Library, Linton, IN
Barnes & Noble Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Morgan County Public Library, Monrovia, IN
Iowa
Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids, IA
Dragonfly Books, Decorah, IA
Johnston Public Library, Johnston, IA
Sidney Public Library, Sidney, IA
Ames Public Library, Ames, IA
Cedar Falls Public Library, Cedar Falls, IA
Kansas
Watermark Books, Wichita, KS
Derby Public Library, Derby, KS
Olathe Public Library, Olathe, KS
Kentucky
McLean County Public Library, Livermore, KY
Shelby Valley High School, Pikeville, KY
Louisiana
Dillard University Library, New Orleans, LA
East Baton Rouge Parish Library – Main Branch, Baton Rouge, LA
Central Primary School, Gonzales, LA
Maryland
A Likely Story Bookstore, Sykesville, MD
John Hanson Montessori, Oxon Hill, MD
Wicomico Public Library, Salisbury, MD
GreenRow Books, Ellicott, MD
Massachusetts
Manchester Public Library, Manchester, MA
Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library, Rochester, MA
The Mount – Edith Wharton’s Home, Lenox, MA
Boyden Library, Foxboro, MA
Wilbraham Public Library, Wilbraham, MA
Morse Institute Library, Natick, MA
Westwood Public Library, Westwood, MA
Michigan
Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI
Romeo District Library, Washington, MI
Troy Public Library, Troy, MI
Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
Bad Axe Area District Library, Bad Axe, MI
The Book Nook & Java Shop, Montague, MI
Minnesota
Northfield Public Library, Northfield, MN
Ortonville Public Library, Ortonville, MN
Gilbert Public Library, Gilbert, MN
Missouri
Mid-Continent Public Library – Lone Jack Branch, Lone Jack, MO
Jackson County Family Court Juvenile Detention Centers, Kansas City, MO
Morgan County R-1 School Library, Stover, MO
New Hampshire
Lincoln Public Library, Lincoln, NH
Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, NH
New Jersey
Ocean County Library, Barnegat, NJ
Word Bookstore – Jersey City, Jersey City, NJ
Hoboken Public Library, Hoboken, NJ
Berkeley College Library, Newark, NJ
H. Russell Swift School, Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Morristown & Morris Township Library, Morristown, NJ
Wayne Public Library, Wayne, NJ
Triton Regional High School, Runnemede, NJ
New York
New York Public Library, NY (see below for branches)
Heathcote School, Scarsdale, NY
Powerhouse Arena, Brooklyn, NY
French American School of New York, Mamaroneck, NY
North Carolina
High Point University – Smith Library, High Point, NC
Queens University of Charlotte – Everett Library, Charlotte, NC
J.D. Clement Early College High School – Library Club, Durham, NC
Regulator Bookshop, Durham, NC
Braswell Memorial Library, Rocky Mount, NC
Malaprop’s Bookstore, Asheville, NC
Queens University of Charlotte – Everett Library, Charlotte, NC
Once Upon A Tome Bookstore, Eden, NC
Downtown Books, Manteo, NC
Ohio
Grove City Library, Grove City, OH
Dover Public Library, Dover, OH
New Madison Public Library, New Madison, OH
Marysville Public Library, Marysville, OH
Westland Area Library, Columbus, OH
Kenyon College Bookstore, Gambier, OH
Oklahoma
Suburban Acres Library of the Tulsa City County Library, Tulsa, OK
kiatook High School Print to Film Book Club, Skiatook, OK
Oregon
Newberg Public Library, Newberg, OR
Hillsboro Public Library, Hillsboro, OR
Jacobsen’s Books, Hillsboro, OR
Pennsylvania
Robinson Township Library, Pittsburgh, PA
Aaron’s Books, Lititz, PA
Grove Family Library, Chambersburg, PA
Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Chester County Library, Exton, PA
Philadelphia City Institute of the Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, Bristol, PA
Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw, PA
Let’s Play Books, Emmaus, PA
The Ryan Library at The Hill School, Pottstown, PA
Penguin Bookshop, Sewickley, PA
Main Point Books, Bryn Mawr, PA
Columbia Public Library, Columbia, PA
Harleysville Books, Harleysville, PA
Elizabeth Lee Black School, Erie, PA
Moravian Book Shop, Bethlehem, PA
Westtown School, West Chester, PA
South Carolina
Irmo Branch Library – Lexington County Library System, Columbia, SC
Hilton Head Island Public Library, Hilton Head Island, SC
Hub City Press, Spartanburg, SC
Charleston County Public Library, Charleston, SC
Texas
BookPeople, Austin, TX
Castroville Public Library, Castroville, TX
Alexander Elementary School, Katy, TX
Vela Middle School, Harlingen, TX
City of Onalaska Public Library, Onalaska, TX
Nacogdoches High School, Nacogdoches, TX
Stephens Elementary, Katy, TX
Lubbock Public Library, Lubbock, TX
Burleson Public Library, Burleson, TX
Utah
The King’s English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, UT
Provo City Library, Provo, UT
Vermont
Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, VT
Weathersfield Proctor Library, Ascutney, VT
Virginia
Chinn Park Regional Library, Woodbridge, VA
Rockbridge Regional Library, Lexington, VA
Chesapeake Public Library, Chesapeake, VA
BBGB Books, Richmond, VA
Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority – Theta Theta Graduate Professional Chapter, Arlington, VA
Wisconsin
Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
Neenah Public Library, Neenah, WI
Wauwatosa Public Library, Wauwatosa, WI
College Library · Helen C. White Hall at University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI
