The act of reading is a gift that’s easy to take for granted for those who can. This month, we stop for a moment to focus on a few significant dates that highlight some of our favorite authors and books — and reading itself. Here you’ll find some of our staff favorites and perhaps you’ll discover something new! And isn’t that what reading is all about?
—Ellen Ritscher Sackett
Sept. 6: National Read a Book Day
Grab your favorite novel or the volume on the top of your to-read pile for this annual occasion that celebrates the joys of losing yourself in a story. In 2019, 65% of adults read at least one book, and publishing was a $25.9 billion industry in the U.S., according to Statista, a company specializing in market and consumer data. Reading provides entertainment and can increase your vocabulary, and the National Institute on Aging recommends reading as a way to keep your mind active. Whether you enjoy the classics or the latest biography, pick up a book and start turning the pages!
Insite BV Staff Recommended Book: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie — or any other Christie mystery
Sept. 8: International Literacy Day
Imagine blankly staring at words and being unable to make sense of their meaning. Imagine being unable to write a simple sentence or even sign your name. According to UNESCO, that’s the reality for more than 750 million people around the world, including 32 million in the U.S. In 1966, UNESCO declared literacy of global importance as a matter of dignity and human rights for all with its proclamation of International Literacy Day, celebrated every year in countries around the world since. This year’s observance highlights unequal access to technology for learning — the digital divide — exacerbated by the global COVID pandemic. In the Brazos Valley, the Clara Mounce Public Library offers the free Adult Literacy Program — beginning
reading and reading improvement for those over age 18 through one-on-one tutoring, small group classes, or large classes. Larry J. Ringer Library’s weekly English Conversation Circle helps adults practice speaking English in a safe, friendly space and improve English reading, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and conversation skills. Children’s Storytimes start up again this September, which is also Library Card Sign-Up Month. Cardholders have free access to the libraries’ physical and electronic literacy resources and technology, in-person homework help, and a slew of librarians who are happy to help!
Insite BV Staff Recommendation: Sign up for your free library card, and check out the libraries’ resources at bcslibrary.org.
Sept. 13: Roald Dahl Day
Happy birthday, Roald Dahl! From tales of giants to stories of delectable food, Roald Dahl has become a world-renowned children’s author of the 21st century due to his original word usage and dark, bordering-on macabre stories. In fact, Dahl has added many words to the English lexicon! But before Dahl became well-known as a writer, he was a former Royal Air Force fighter pilot, intelligence officer, and diplomat at the start of and during WWII. Dahl’s time in the military helped inspire his unique and outlandish writing about scrumdiddlyumptious chocolate and frightsome gremlins. Some of Dahl’s most famous works include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and James and the Giant Peach.
Insite BV Staff Recommended Book: The BFG by Roald Dahl
Sept. 15: International Dot Day -AV
First celebrated in 2009, Iowa teacher Terry Shay introduced The Dot, a children’s book by Peter H. Reynolds to students in his classroom. The book is about a child named Vashti who struggles with doubt about her artistic abilities. “Make your mark and see where it takes you,” says Vashti’s teacher. Angrily, she stabs at the page and
thus her journey to finding her own creativity. The concept of the dot has taken off, and now more than 19 million people in 192 countries celebrate this international day of creativity, with activities all month long. Dot devotees are encouraged to join the Dot Club and to register to add to the global tally which organizers anticipate will be the largest one yet. Anyone who registers can download the Educator’s Handbook filled with ideas, inspiration, and activities at thedotclub.org.
Insite BV Staff Recommendation: The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Sept. 22: Hobbit Day
Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings can celebrate their love of all things Middle-earth on this day dedicated to the author’s peaceful, comfort-loving creatures. First celebrated in 1978, the day falls on the shared birthday of Tolkien’s two Hobbit heroes, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, and some fans celebrate with feasts and costumes, according to the American Tolkien Society. Every year, the week containing Hobbit Day is deemed Tolkien Week, which honors Tolkien and his son Christopher, who posthumously published many of his father’s writings on the famous fictional world, including The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth.
Insite BV Staff Recommended Book: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (for those beginning their Tolkien journey) and The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien (for those familiar with Middle-earth)
Sept. 25: National Comic Book Day
Most people know about Superman and Iron Man, but did you know that these timeless heroes first appeared in comic books? The first prototype comic book was printed in 1837, titled The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck, according to bookriot.com. From there, comics grew in popularity and diversity and were used in
publications from storytelling to political propaganda in the mid-20th century. The most well-known comic industry giants in the modern age are DC Comics with well-loved heroes including Batman and Wonder Woman and Marvel Entertainment with greats like Captain America and Spiderman.
Insite BV Staff Recommended Book: Invincible by Robert Kirkman (Rated M for mature audiences) IN
