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.
How do I find a local bookstore, library or school that is hosting a Readathon party?
We will be updating this website regularly with a list of participating local bookstores, libraries and schools. If you don’t see a venue in your community, you could approach your local bookstore to ask if they’d host a National Readathon Day reading party. They can enroll to host a reading party, and download resources here. You can also start your own team with friends, family, or colleagues. Or you can always just read for four hours on January 24 from the comfort of your own home!
How can I connect with other participants in the National Readathon?
We are inviting everyone to share their photos, fundraising efforts, and experiences with a marathon afternoon of reading using the hash tag, #timetoread. We look forward to hearing your stories and thank you for supporting this important cause!