National Reading Day
Turn the page and celebrate the magic of reading on National Reading Day! This special day encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and discover new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading opens doors to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth that lasts a lifetime.
About National Reading Day
Turn the page and celebrate the magic of reading on National Reading Day! This special day encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and discover new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading opens doors to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth that lasts a lifetime.
History & origins
National Reading Day is listed in this site's 2026 calendar for January 23. Informal "national days" are often promoted by communities, trade groups, and brands; origins and official proclamations vary by country and year. Turn the page and celebrate the magic of reading on National Reading Day! This special day encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and discover new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Because many such observances are cultural or promotional rather than statutory, treat dates as a planning guide and confirm local events separately.
Why it matters
Observing National Reading Day gives people a shared anchor to explore national themes—reading, books, January, education, literature—and to coordinate learning, gatherings, or giving around that focus. Turn the page and celebrate the magic of reading on National Reading Day! This special day encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and discover new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading opens doors to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth that lasts a lifetime.
How to celebrate
Start a new book or revisit an old favorite. Visit your local library or bookstore to discover new titles. Join or start a book club with friends. Read to children or encourage young readers in your life. Share book recommendations on social media and engage in literary discussions.
Facts
- Reading for just 6 minutes can reduce stress by 68%
- The average person reads about 12 books per year
- Reading can increase vocabulary by 50%
- The longest novel ever written has over 1.2 million words
- Regular reading can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease
Upcoming dates
- Friday, January 23, 2026
- Saturday, January 23, 2027
- Sunday, January 23, 2028
- Tuesday, January 23, 2029
- Wednesday, January 23, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Reading Day in 2026?
This edition lists National Reading Day on 2026-01-23 (January 23). Many recurring observances keep the same month and day each year.
What is National Reading Day?
Turn the page and celebrate the magic of reading on National Reading Day! This special day encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and discover new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, reading opens doors to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth that lasts a lifetime.
How do people celebrate National Reading Day?
Start a new book or revisit an old favorite. Visit your local library or bookstore to discover new titles. Join or start a book club with friends. Read to children or encourage young readers in your life. Share book recommendations on social media and engage in literary discussions.
Is National Reading Day a federal holiday?
National Reading Day is widely treated as an informal observance and is not a U.S. federal public holiday unless a government source explicitly declares one.
What topics relate to National Reading Day?
Common themes include: reading, books, January, education, literature. Use tags and related pages on this site to explore similar celebrations.
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