World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day History

World Read Aloud Day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories, both as a tool for literacy education and a form of entertainment. This initiative is globally reckoned for igniting an inherent love for books and the written word, aimed at reinforcing the bond between readers and text. The day is targeted towards underscoring the power of voice in education, promoting the joys of narrative and fostering an enduring appreciation for literacy and narrative as essential human experiences.

Incepted by LitWorld in 2010, it has since grown into a worldwide event celebrated by millions of people in more than 173 countries. World Read Aloud Day seeks to bridge the divide between those with access to books and those without and serves to stand up for literacy as a foundational human right. Authors, educators, parents, children, and just about anyone with a love for reading participate in this event.

On this day, people across the globe organize various events, online and offline, including read-aloud sessions in schools, libraries, offices, and public spaces. It's a day to appreciate the transformative power of hearing stories read aloud and to work together in expanding access to this invaluable experience worldwide. World Read Aloud Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in February.

Top 10 Facts for World Read Aloud Day in 2026

• World Read Aloud Day was founded in 2010 by the nonprofit organization LitWorld and educator Pam Allyn to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right that belongs to everyone.
• The observance has grown into a massive global movement with active participants in more than 173 countries who share stories to build community and empathy.
• For the 2026 celebration, the official theme encourages participants to Celebrate Learning! by exploring a diverse range of imaginative fiction and informative nonfiction works.
• A hallmark of the event is the participation of authors and illustrators like Kate Messner, who organize large-scale volunteer efforts to provide short virtual read-aloud sessions for classrooms and libraries.
• Research highlighted by the event's sponsor, Scholastic, shows that reading aloud to children is one of the most effective ways to improve their vocabulary, listening skills, and overall emotional regulation.
• The day often sparks high engagement on social media, where the hashtag #WorldReadAloudDay has historically become a top trending topic as families and educators post videos of their favorite stories.
• Beyond its educational impact, the day honors the ancient human tradition of oral storytelling, which was the primary way knowledge was preserved long before the invention of written text.
• The initiative draws attention to global literacy inequality, pointing out that while the world literacy rate has risen every decade since 1950, significant disparities remain in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
• Celebrities such as Jimmy Fallon, Chelsea Clinton, and Sarah Jessica Parker have frequently joined the movement to promote the joy of sharing books aloud.
• The 2026 event marks the 16th annual celebration of the practice, which originally began following a simple reading session between a young boy and a teacher in New York City.

In the News and Trending for World Read Aloud Day

Top things to do for World Read Aloud Day

• Host a book reading night with friends and family. Have everyone choose a novel for the night and take turns reading aloud.
• Find a novel you're interested in and start reading it. Read aloud to a spouse or a friend and get them involved in the story. According to a 2019 Pew Research Center survey, 27% of adults reported that they had not read a book in the last year. Books are portals to exciting worlds. They host interesting characters and they offer insight into how people feel and think. So keep reading. And while doing so, make sure to read aloud sometimes.
• Visit your local library and check out their collections. They may even be hosting an event for World Read Aloud Day, in which case, you should participate and join in the fun.
• Watch a movie that highlights the power and benefit of reading. Here are our suggestions:
  The Bookshop (2018)
  Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
  Phenomenon (1996)