From Library Journal:
Library participation in World Book Night US is increasing, with libraries hosting launch events around the country for the fourth iteration of the annual April 23 event, which encourages public reading by distributing about a half-million free books and honors Shakespeare’s birthday.
Some libraries and bookstores host a special reception when the books arrive to foster community spirit among the volunteers. Last year, World Book Night US had volunteers in 5,200 towns and cities in all 50 states and a record 1,055 libraries and bookstores participate, program director Carl Lennertz said.
The New York Public Library (NYPL) main building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street will host a public talk April 22 with several authors whose books have been selected for 2014 World Book Night US distribution. This is the first time NYPL is holding official World Book Night launch events; prior World Book Night events were held at the Barnes and Noble store in Union Square.
The guest list at the main library event includes writers Victoria Bond, Malcolm Gladwell, Garrison Keillor, Walter Dean Myers, Esmeralda Santiago, T.R. Simon, and Tobias Wolff. The talk will take place at 6 p.m. in the 250-seat Edna Barnes Salomon Room, and will also be live-streamed on the Internet.
I’m a “giver” for the third time and delighted to be handing out copies of Jamie Ford’s “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.” I will be picking up my books at my local branch library in Brooklyn, how about you?
I am handing out Cheryl
I am handing out Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild.”
Is it just me or does World Book Night seem very disorganized this year? I have several people who still haven’t found out if they are going to be givers or not and the team at WBN has been very slow getting back to some people. I know they are probably overwhelmed and have a lot on their plate, but maybe it’s time to hire more staff or start the process a little earlier.
computer glitches
Yes, it seems they’re having trouble with their roll-out, a la “Obamacare”. Nonetheless, I think it’s a wonderful program.