National Authors Day 2026

Open a book on National Authors Day and thank the people who wrote it. This November 1 observance grew from an Illinois teacher’s idea in the late 1920s and is a quiet way to honor American writers — fiction, poetry, history, children’s books — by reading, reviewing, or sending a real thank-you.

authorsbooksreadingNovemberNellie Verne Burt McPhersonAmerican literaturewriters

National Authors Day - Open a book on National Authors Day and thank the people who wrote it. This November 1 observance grew from an Illinois teacher’s idea in the late 1920s and is a quiet way to honor American writers — fiction, poetry, history, children’s books — by reading, reviewing, or sending a real thank-you.

About National Authors Day

History & origins

National Authors Day falls on November 1. It is a literary observance, not a federal holiday, and it is about books and writers rather than a party.

In 1928, Nellie Verne Burt McPherson, a teacher and president of the Bement, Illinois, Women’s Club, proposed a day to celebrate American authors. The spark was personal: while recovering in a hospital during World War I, she wrote to fiction writer Irving Bacheller about enjoying his story Eben Holden’s Last Day A’ Fishin’; he sent back an autographed copy of another work. Wanting a lasting way to honor that kindness, she took the idea to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. In May 1929 the federation endorsed a resolution for National Author’s Day. The U.S. Department of Commerce recognized the day in 1949. After McPherson’s death in 1968, her granddaughter Sue Cole continued to promote writing notes of thanks to living authors.

The day sits on a fixed November 1 date in U.S. day calendars. It is separate from National Book Day, Banned Books Week, and other library observances.

Why it matters

Writers usually work alone. A named day is a simple public reminder to buy a book, leave a review, teach a poem, or write the author whose work stayed with you. It also keeps McPherson’s Illinois origin in view instead of treating the date as a generic “reading holiday.”

How to celebrate

Read a book by a living author and leave a short, specific review. Write a thank-you note or email if the author is reachable. Visit a bookstore or library and ask a librarian for one new recommendation. Share a passage with a classroom or book club without spoiling the plot. Buy from an independent shop if you can. Skip the fake “bestseller” lists you did not read.

Facts

Nellie Verne Burt McPherson of Bement, Illinois, proposed the day in 1928
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs endorsed National Author’s Day in May 1929
The U.S. Department of Commerce recognized the day in 1949
McPherson was inspired after Irving Bacheller sent her an autographed story
It is not a U.S. federal holiday

Upcoming dates

Sunday, November 1, 2026
Monday, November 1, 2027
Wednesday, November 1, 2028
Thursday, November 1, 2029
Friday, November 1, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is National Authors Day in 2026?

National Authors Day in 2026 falls on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Is today National Authors Day?

No. National Authors Day in 2026 falls on Sunday, November 1, 2026, not today.

What is National Authors Day?

It is a U.S. literary observance on November 1 for honoring writers — especially American authors — by reading their work and showing appreciation.

Who started National Authors Day?

Nellie Verne Burt McPherson of the Bement, Illinois, Women’s Club proposed it in 1928. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs endorsed it in 1929; the Department of Commerce recognized it in 1949.

How do you celebrate National Authors Day?

Read a book, thank an author, support a library or bookstore, or write a thoughtful review. The day is about books, not a costume party.

Is National Authors Day an official holiday?

It is a recognized observance with a documented club and Commerce history, but it is not a U.S. federal holiday. Schools and offices follow their usual schedules.

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