I’m down with a cold (or possibly an allergy), but I didn’t want the day to end without writing about the International Book Giving Day.
The International Book Giving Day is a wonderful initiative that aims to get books in the hands of as many children as possible. Those joining in the celebration can either give a book to a friend or relative, leave a book in a waiting room or lobby, or donate a book to a charity.
Early this year, Tarie, who co-organizes the Filipino Readers’ Choice Awards with Tina and me, asked us if we wanted our committee to take part in this endeavor, and I thought it was a great idea! We then decided to give away the winning children’s picture book in the RCA: But That Won’t Wake Me Up by Annie and Anelka Lumbao, illustrated by Liza Flores and published by Adarna Books.
Up until last night I was thinking about who I would give the book to, because I don’t get to see my tutees until Saturday (and anyway, they are lucky to have access to books), and I don’t run into a lot of kids at my day job.
And then I saw the big bag stuffed with picture books I had weeded out after the holiday cleanup and decided it would be most appreciated at Reading Club 2000.
Reading Club 2000 is a street library initiative by one of my neighbors, Mr. Hernando Guanlao. I’ve been regularly visiting and donating books there for a while now, and they ship out books to the provinces every week, so they’re always in need of books.
(Sorry for the hazy photo from my phone, I have SLR photos somewhere; let’s hope I haven’t erased them yet.)
My mom didn’t want me to go out because of my cold so I stuffed some more books in the bag:
I had a little helper in the form of my cat, Missy, who seemed to be doing a quality control inspection!
I added a little note.
And minutes later, Mang Nanie sent a text message that made my day:
International Book Giving Day was certainly a lovely way to spend February 14th.