How to Celebrate National Read a Book Day

by Sydney Stevic

Person reading a book on a cozy blanket with papaya slices, grapes, and a drink arranged around them, creating a relaxed and inviting reading atmosphere.

If you're anything like us, the words "National Read a Book Day" are enough to make you do a happy little dance. Celebrated every year on September 6th, this unofficial-but-totally-worth-it holiday gives book lovers everywhere a reason (not that we need one) to grab a cup of something warm, pull out a good read, and settle in for some well-earned literary joy.

We’re here to help you celebrate in style, with fun, creative ideas to mark the occasion, whether you’re a solo reader, book club bestie, or looking to inspire the next generation of readers! And of course, we’ve got a few magical surprises tucked inside our book-shaped boxes to take your day from ordinary to unforgettable. Because when you celebrate with OUABC, it’s never just a book, it’s an experience!

Smiling young woman wearing glasses and a beige blouse, playfully balancing a stack of books on her head against a light background.

8 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Read a Book Day

National Read a Book Day isn’t about how many pages you read or how fancy your bookshelf looks; it’s about celebrating the simple, magical joy of getting lost in a story. Whether you read for five minutes or five hours, whether you’re a seasoned book dragon or a casual page-flipper, this day is for you.

Start the Day with a Morning Reading Session

There’s just something extra special about beginning your day with a quiet moment, a steaming mug of coffee (or tea, no judgment), and a book you’ve been dying to finish. Wake up fifteen minutes early, put your phone on silent, and give yourself the gift of peace while you fit in a few chapters before the chaos begins. It’s like meditation, but with plot twists. And for those of you who just don’t have that extra time, why not listen to an audiobook while doing your makeup or on your commute?

Group of four women sitting on a couch, laughing and chatting while holding books and glasses of wine during a lively book club gathering.

Host a Mini Book Club

It’s time to bring the celebration to your inner circle! Pick a short story or a few chapters from a book you all love and invite your friends for a quick chat, virtual or in-person. Add snacks, pour a little something sparkly, and you've got yourself a party. You could even turn it into a themed night based on your book’s setting. Just saying, a fantasy book club with cloaks and crowns? Iconic.

Try a New Genre

Step out of your reading comfort zone and dive into something unexpected. If you’re usually a historical fiction reader, try a sci-fi adventure. Obsessed with romance? How about a mystery instead? Not only will this keep things fresh, but it may lead you to a new favorite author.

Our Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes are a treasure trove of genre-diverse delights, featuring past boxes with all the immersive goodies and none of the waiting. Go on, surprise yourself, and if you’re looking for ideas, check out our collections. They not only contain some great reading recommendations but also some awesome bookish products, just for you!

Gift a Book to Someone Special

Bookish joy is best when shared. Send a book to a family member, a fellow book lover, or even your favorite colleague. Better yet, gift them one of our No-Commitment Monthly Book Boxes and watch their face light up!

Every box includes a newly released novel and beautifully wrapped gifts to open at key moments in the story. It’s basically happiness in a box. Perfect for birthdays, random acts of kindness, or “just because” surprises.

Make It an All-Day Readathon

Cancel your plans (if you can), keep on your PJs, stack your books, prep your snacks, and build yourself a cozy reading fort (or just hang out in bed all day—we give you complete permission). Reading challenges like the “15-minute reading sprint” or “finish a book in a day” make it even more fun!

We would love to share in the excitement. Share your stack on social media with #ReadABookDay and check in with other bookworms throughout the day. Bonus points if you read in themed pajamas. (We’re not saying we have a dedicated reading robe, but we totally do.)

Support Your Local Library or Bookstore

National Read a Book Day is also a great time to give back to the places that feed our bookish souls. Visit your local bookstore or library and treat yourself to a new read, or donate gently used books to someone in need. Snap a pic, share your visit online, and tag your favorite indie store! Book love is best when it builds community.

Woman in a white dress reading a book while sitting on a picnic blanket outdoors, surrounded by flowers, a hat, and fresh fruit including watermelon.

Read Outside

If the weather plays nice, take your book on an adventure. A sunny park bench, a shady backyard, or even the beach can be the perfect reading backdrop. Fresh air, natural light, and a great story, we can’t think of anything better! Now that’s a triple win. Don’t forget your water bottle, sunglasses, and of course, your current OUABC Book Box!

Treat Yourself to a Book Subscription Box

You know we had to save the best for last. There’s no better way to honor National Read a Book Day than to treat yourself to a book box that brings stories to life. Our Adult Book Subscription Boxes, Young Adult Book Subscription Boxes, and Tween Book Subscription Boxes each include a novel and a collection of page-matched gifts that make reading magical, just the way it should be! It’s like stepping inside the story. You’ll never want to read any other way again.

Why Celebrating Matters

Beyond the fun, celebrating a day like this reminds us why we read in the first place. Reading has been shown to reduce stress, increase empathy, and boost creativity. It’s not just a hobby, it’s a form of self-care, the type that keeps on giving. We are firm believers that it may even be age-defying—less stress = less wrinkles!

According to research, days like Read a Book Day promote literacy awareness and give people a reason to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the joy of a good story. Whether you spend 15 minutes or the whole day reading, the benefits will stay with you long after the last chapter.

Girl blowing confetti over an open book with a joyful expression, surrounded by colourful confetti floating in the air.

Time to Turn the Page on Ordinary

Let’s make this National Read a Book Day one to remember! Whether you’re sipping tea and flipping pages, dressing up for a themed book club, or cozying up with your first OUABC box, this day is all about falling back in love with reading. Even better? You don’t have to wait until next year to celebrate again. Make it a habit, a ritual, a lifestyle. Our Book Subscription Boxes are here to help you do just that. Every month is a new story. Every box is a new escape.

So grab your book, fluff your pillow, and settle in. And hey, if anyone asks what you’re doing on September 6th, tell them you have very important plans—with a plot twist and everything. After all, the best way to celebrate a book... is with another one! Happy National Read a Book Day from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

If you enjoyed this blog, we think you will enjoy The Top 5 Benefits of a Book Subscription Box and Engaging Readers of All Ages: Finding Your Perfect Book Subscription

Sources

National Today. (n.d.). National Read a Book Day – September 6. National Today. Retrieved August 10, 2025, from https://nationaltoday.com/national-read-a-book-day (nationaltoday.com)

WebMD. (2024, November 25). Health benefits of reading books. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-of-reading-books