14 February,2012 06:31 AM IST | | The Guide Team
Today isn't just about the roses and the candyfloss. February 14u00a0 is International Book Giving Day, dedicated to getting new, used and borrowed books in the hands of as many children as possible
It's no urban secret that our lives and those of our kids are getting less and less influenced by the world of books.u00a0 Libraries are being shut down, reading time in a day is rare inside homes and the e-book is taking over sensibilities.
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As the world gets smaller and impatient, the significance of days like International Book Day become more important in our lives.
The Guide gives you three simple ways to celebrate International Book Giving Day:
1) Lend a book to a friend or relative or the kid next door: Instead of gifting your loved one a box of chocolates, a toy, a perfume or a prized collectible depending on the age, pick up a good book from the corner bookstore or the public
library.
2) Donate a book: Wrap up a box of children's books that your kids have outgrown and offer them to a kids shelter or centre that promotes reading among kids and adults. Donate your books to any school library or even nonprofit organisation working to ensure that everyone has access to books.
3) Leave a book in a waiting room or lobby: This might be an interesting exercise. Choose a waiting room where kids are stuck waiting but have no good reads to while away their time. Purchase a good book, and leave the book behind, discreetly. The goal here is to spread the love of reading to kids, so choose an engaging, colourful title and not a serious read. You'll be amazed to see the curiosity looks when kids stumble upon books.
LOG ON TO www.facebook.com/BookGivingDay
