Athens: A Top 25 Giver City

In a celebration of the written word and passion for reading, 40 individuals from the Athens area are participating in the first World Book Night USA on April 23. World Book Night launched last year in the U.K. and has plans to spread to more countries in the future. With givers in all 50 states, Athens is ranked in the top 25 cities for givers per capita (see complete list here).

I was invited to a private book pick up party at on Monday to meet several of the givers. I credit Janet and her staff at Avid Bookshop for the large turnout of volunteers. They have done a wonderful job of fostering a sense of community and love of books in Athens.

Avid Bookshop served as the pickup hub for Athens givers. During the party each giver was gifted with a rose, a certificate of appreciation, and, of course, their box of books. During the reception, givers shared why they chose their book and brainstormed where to give away the books. All the givers were excited to see which book they were given. There was a list of 30 titles available to choose from and each giver received 20 specially printed copies of their chosen title.

The givers will spread throughout Athens, handing out these free books to encourage reading in the community.  Don't be surprised if you see a giver at the bus stop, coffee shop or the gym. Merryn Walker, who received My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, will be giving out her copies at the Georgia Square Mall's Food Court.

World Book Night was started last year to bring attention to books for adult readers. Of the 30 titles being offered only a few are meant for young adults. Even so, at least one young adult title will appeal to adult readers.

Amanda Makepeace, who wanted to share the night with her daughter, wasn't sure if she would receive her first choice because the young adult title was in such high demand. She received conflicting emails about whether she was awarded the title or not. When she opened her box, The Hunger Games was indeed inside. Amanda and her daughter will be handing out their copies in downtown Watkinsville.

April 23 was chosen for World Book Night because it is the UNESCO International Day of the Book. The date is significant as it is the birthday of Shakespeare and the anniversary of the deaths of both Shakespeare and Miguel Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. Celebration of the day in the Catalan region of Spain includes gifting a flower and a book to loved ones.

World Book Night USA is made possible by the generous support of authors, publishers, the American Booksellers Association, Barnes and Noble, the American Library Association, Association of American Publishers, Ingram Book Company, UPS, and a dozen printers and binders who have paid for the production and shipping of these special copies. But above all, the volunteers handing out 500,000 books across the United States and sharing the love of reading with their community will make the night a success. If you are interested in being a giver next year, visit World Book Night USA for more information.