Day of Reading

What is the Day of Reading?

The Day of Reading is a national initiative organized by the Reading Foundation, the Children’s Books Foundation, and the Association “Books and Reading.”

The Day of Reading aims to place the act of reading at the center of public attention as a key element for literacy and the development of future skills.

The first Day of Reading in Bulgaria was held in 2023 with the support of partners such as Stiftung Lesen (Reading Foundation, Germany).

The initiative coincides with the German Day of Reading and takes place every third Friday of November each year.

Why is it held?

In Bulgaria, there was no dedicated day highlighting the importance of reading for developing the potential of every citizen.

The main motivation of the organizers is to focus attention on overcoming functional illiteracy—according to PISA 2022, 53% of 15-year-olds do not understand what they read, which affects the development of the environment and undermines democratic principles.

The idea is for reading to be not just a hobby, but a tool for prevention, development, and equal opportunities for all.

Who can participate?

Everyone is invited—schools, kindergartens, libraries, community centers, families, and individual readers can join by organizing readings, discussions, or other activities, or simply by taking some time to read.

Participants register their intention on the website, which helps track the campaign’s reach and display active organizations and institutions on the readers’ map.

Each year, the organizers prepare materials available for free download from the website, allowing every event organizer on the Day of Reading to show their connection to the community of readers participating in the Day of Reading.

How is it held?

Events can take place in a single day or over several days—readings in libraries and schools, meetings with authors, or shared reading sessions.

In 2025, the initiative is part of the European campaign European Authors’ Day – Read.ForReal.

The Reading Foundation is a partner in a consortium alongside the Universal Reading Foundation, National Library of Poland, EURead, Stiftung Lesen, Federation of European Publishers, and Ciclic. The consortium’s goal is to invite all Europeans to celebrate reading—together and truly.