Every August 9th, bookworms across the world take a well-deserved moment to do what they do best: yes, celebrate their love of books. Whether you dog-ear your pages, organize your shelves by color, or never leave home without a book in your bag, National Book Lovers Day is for you.

It is not just about reading; it is about honoring the stories that shaped us, the characters who became our friends, and the magical feeling of getting lost in a good book. And what better way to mark the occasion than with a book subscription box that makes every moment feel like an event?

At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe reading should be immersive, joyful, and yes, gift-worthy. Whether you are looking to treat yourself or surprise a fellow book lover, here are our favorite ways to turn Book Lovers Day into something unforgettable.

What Is National Book Lovers Day?

While the origins are delightfully mysterious (much like the best stories), National Book Lovers Day has become a firm favorite bookish holiday in August, giving all of us a chance to share our passion. From bookshelf tours to book unboxing reels, the day is celebrated by communities everywhere, both online and off.

Bookstagrammers use hashtags like #NationalBookLoversDay and #BookishLove to showcase their reads, and many readers mark the occasion with new books, themed parties, or simply curling up with a favorite classic!

But we say, “Why stop at reading when you can bring the story to life in the palms of your hands?”

 

5 Ways to Celebrate with a Book Subscription Box

Treat Yourself to a Surprise Story

Is there anything better than a surprise? Yes! A surprise wrapped and waiting between the pages of your next read. Our Once Upon a Book Club subscription boxes deliver a newly released book, along with 3 to 5 beautiful gifts that are matched to specific moments in the story. You only open the gifts when prompted by a page number, making each twist and turn feel tangible.

It is the perfect solo celebration: a quiet night in, a comfy chair, and a book box that turns reading into an experience.

Explore our Book Subscription Boxes to start your own August tradition.

 

Host a Mini Book Club with Friends

Who says book clubs need months of planning and snack assignments? For Book Lovers Day, invite a few friends over or gather virtually to unbox a title together. Everyone can order the same box (hello, built-in discussion questions!) and chat about the story as you read.

Whether you live in the same city or are connecting from afar, OUABC boxes make it easy to feel connected through the story. You can even swap unboxing reactions or try to guess what each gift will be before you open it.

We think you may enjoy our blog on Engaging Readers of All Ages: Finding Your Perfect Book Subscription.

Gift a Box to a Fellow Book Lover

Book Lovers Day is the perfect excuse to brighten someone’s bookshelf and their day. Surprise your favorite teacher, your bookish best friend, or the relative who always has a novel on hand with a one-time gift box.

You don’t have to commit to a subscription; just choose from our No-Commitment Monthly Boxes or surprise your teacher with a thoughtful Teacher Care Package.

Books are one thing. But books with themed gifts? That is next-level appreciation.

Document Your Bookish Memories

Make this Book Lovers Day one to remember! Whether you are unboxing your latest story or jotting down thoughts about a book that changed your life, take time to capture the moment.

Our Reading Journals come in stunning designs like Classic Coral, Periwinkle Prose, and Seafoam Stories, and include prompts for quotes, spice ratings, character notes, and more.

Prefer something printable and quick? Grab the OUABC Reading Journal Digital Download to start your reading reflection today, this is perfect for those of you who prefer to take notes on your tablet!

Make It a Yearly Tradition

The best holidays are the ones you celebrate more than once. Let August 9th become your annual book day. Set a reading goal, schedule your next box, or add a note to your reading journal marking what you read each year.

Our Adult, Young Adult, and Tween Book Boxes make it easy to create a celebration that suits your life and your reading tastes, year after year.

Curious why readers are raving? The Top 5 Benefits of a Book Subscription Box breaks it down.

 

Best Book Boxes for Every Reader

We’ve made it easy to find your perfect Book Lovers Day gift, and self-gifting is definitely encouraged! Because let’s be honest, no one understands your reading taste quite like you do. Whether you're a thriller fan, a YA romance lover, or looking for a story to share with your tween, we’ve got something wrapped and ready. Each box comes with a beautifully curated book and immersive gifts that bring the story to life, making it the kind of reading experience you’ll want to savor and share.

✨ Adult Book Box – The Family Inside by Katie Garner

From our “The Bone Garden” Adult box

About the Book:

We loved this chilling thriller, with all of those twists, secrets, and, let’s not forget, one seriously creepy mansion. Iris Blodgett is reeling from the unsolved murder of her husband and growing debt when she accepts an offer to move into her boyfriend’s mother’s estate, Ravencliff. But not everything is as it seems. As the old house begins revealing its past, Iris uncovers more than she bargained for, especially when the rest of the family she never knew about comes out of the woodwork.

Inside the Box: 

You’ll find a hardcover copy of The Family Inside plus four of our carefully selected gifts that bring the book to life at just the right moment. Think eerie and clever. Just make sure you’re ready for the unexpected. As you read, you’ll be prompted to open each gift, taking the suspense to a whole new level. This isn’t just a mystery you read; you become part of the story, the Once Upon a Book Club way!

💖 YA Book Box – Wild About You by Kaitlyn Hill

From our “Wild Hearts” Young Adult box

About the Book:

This grumpy-sunshine romance is both hilarious and heartfelt. Natalie, an anxious college freshman, signs up for a reality adventure show in hopes of winning a scholarship. She’s partnered with Finn, an outdoorsy guy with serious lone-wolf energy. As they trek the Appalachian Trail together, sparks unexpectedly start to fly and not just from their campfire. It's a story about self-discovery, overcoming fears, and maybe finding love in the wild.

Inside the Box:

Your exciting box includes a paperback copy of Wild About You, along with four perfectly chosen gifts that match that moment! Each gift is guaranteed to bring the pages to life. This YA box is pure feel-good fun!

🐺 Tween Book Box – The Wolf of Cape Fen by Juliana Brandt

From our “Journey of the Wolf” Middle Grade box

About the Book:

This is the perfect combination of magic, family, and a whole lot of courage. In Cape Fen, winter brings with it Baron Dire, a mysterious figure known for making dangerous magical bargains. When Eliza’s sister is attacked by the Baron’s enchanted wolf, Eliza embarks on a journey to unravel the truth behind the deal and save her family. With themes of sisterhood, bravery, and finding your voice, this is the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page.

Inside the Box:

Get ready to unbox your copy of The Wolf of Cape Fen, plus three whimsical gifts tied to Eliza’s magical journey. This one is perfect for fans of fantasy and is perfect for families who want to read together!

Browse our Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes to find a story that’s calling your name.

Unwrap the Joy of Storytelling

Book Lovers Day is your permission slip to slow down and get on top of your TBR pile. Whether you are curling up with a thrilling mystery, sharing a box with friends, or journaling about your bookish life, OUABC is here to make the day feel magical.

So go ahead, subscribe, gift, or treat yourself to the story you did not know you needed. This August 9th, let’s find some new bookish best friends. And the best part? This year, Book Lovers Day falls on a Saturday. We will definitely be having a couch day with our books! Wishing you all a Happy Book Lovers Day from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!