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What better group of people to celebrate International Literacy Day than a group of readers like you?  If you have book club this week or next, perhaps you'll want to take a moment to discuss how lucky we are to have access to books and the ability to read.  Or to imagine what our lives would be like if we didn't have those things.

In case you're not familiar with International Literacy Day, here’s a brief history:

September 8th was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO back in November of 1965. It was first celebrated in 1966. The aim of the day is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies worldwide. On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally and encourages celebrations of all kinds around the world.

This year the theme of the day is “Literacy and Women’s Empowerment.

UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova says “Investing in women’s literacy carries very high returns: it improves livelihoods, leads to better child and maternal health, and favours girls’ access to education. In short newly literate women have a positive ripple effect on all development indicators. This international day aims to mobilize everyone’s attention to the urgent need for increased commitment to literacy, especially for girls and women.”

Read more about UNESCO and their plans for the day and for the year!  And Happy Reading!