Buy a Book Day – Sep. 7, 2026

Buy a Book Day
Submit your updates or photos
Tags:
AppreciationBooks
Where:
International
Date change rule:
Every September 7
Holiday emoji:
📚

Buy a Book Day champions the enduring power of reading and supports the literary world every September 7. This day encourages everyone to invest in a new book, fostering a love for reading and supporting authors and publishers. Dive into a new story, explore a new topic, and help keep the culture of reading vibrant.

Want to sponsor Buy a Book Day? Learn how

Expected Buy a Book Day Deals

Buy a Book Day is an opportune moment for bookstores and publishers to engage readers with special promotions and events. While we await official 2027 campaigns, expect major retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon to offer discounts on bestsellers and new releases. Independent bookstores often host author signings, readings, and themed sales, encouraging local community engagement. Publishers such as Penguin Random House and HarperCollins may highlight specific titles or offer bundles. Digital platforms like Kobo and Apple Books could feature curated lists or reduced prices on e-books and audiobooks. Non-profit organizations like the National Book Foundation might launch awareness campaigns, encouraging donations or participation in literary programs. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 7 approaches.

Platform Guide for Buy a Book Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BuyABookDay. Share photos of your latest book purchases, your favorite reading nook, or a stack of books you’re excited to read.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BuyABookDay. Ask your community for book recommendations and share why reading is important to you.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BuyABookDay. Tweet about the book you just bought, a quote that moved you, or challenge friends to buy a book.

Social Media Tips for Buy a Book Day

Individuals

Visit your local independent bookstore or browse an online retailer to purchase a new book. Consider gifting a book to a friend or donating one to a local library.

Creators

Create a 'haul' video showcasing your new book purchases, review a book you're currently reading, or share tips on how to build a diverse personal library.

Brands

Bookstores can offer special discounts or host author events. Publishers can launch social media campaigns asking readers to share their favorite titles using the holiday hashtag.

Organizations & Brands for Buy a Book Day

  1. Barnes & Noble

    Founded in 1886, Barnes & Noble is the largest retail bookseller in the United States. They offer a vast selection of books, magazines, music, and movies, and are a cornerstone for many communities.

  2. Amazon

    Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon started as an online bookstore before expanding into a global e-commerce and technology giant. It remains a dominant force in book sales, offering both physical and digital formats.

  3. Penguin Random House

    Formed in 2013 by the merger of Penguin Group and Random House, this is one of the largest book publishers in the world. They publish a wide array of fiction and non-fiction titles across numerous imprints.

  4. American Library Association

    Founded in 1876, the ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world. It advocates for libraries and library education, promoting literacy and access to information for all.

  5. National Book Foundation

    Established in 1989, the National Book Foundation is a non-profit organization that administers the National Book Awards. Its mission is to celebrate the best of American literature and expand its audience.

  6. IndieBound

    IndieBound is a community-minded movement of independent bookstores across the U.S. that promotes local shopping and unique literary experiences. They champion diverse voices and local economies.

  7. Kobo

    Launched in 2009, Kobo is a Canadian company specializing in e-readers and e-books. It offers a vast digital library and devices designed for an immersive reading experience, supporting authors and publishers.

Buy a Book Day Hero

Melvil Dewey

Melvil Dewey (1851–1931) was an American librarian and educator best known for inventing the Dewey Decimal Classification system in 1876. This system revolutionized library organization, making books more accessible to readers worldwide. His work significantly impacted how knowledge is categorized and retrieved, directly supporting the mission of making books findable and readable.

History of Buy a Book Day

In today’s digital age where T.V., movies, and the internet have taken over our lives, the art of book reading and the very act of buying it is declining dramatically. Although T.V. series and movies are interesting, reading books is a whole different kind of experience.

Most people think that books are boring and at no level a match to modern-day series and superhero movies. But in reality, there are millions of books out there that are just as well-written, thought-provoking, and can take you to a whole new world. This is what most people fail to understand.

However, it is sad how the old-fashioned art of reading a book is slowly fading away just because of a misconception. Books are the ocean of knowledge — the knowledge that has been passed on by our ancestors to us. We used these books to discover new knowledge that we then pass on to the future generation.

On Buy a Book Day, people visit their local book stores to purchase a book or two. Those who cannot go out to celebrate the day can buy a book online! Books have transformed many lives from the earliest of centuries until now. There is no doubt that they will continue to do so in the future.

We know, we know, some of you might still argue that you are carrying multiple books around at the same time — thanks to kindle. Good for you, but do you know what can make it even better? Yes, you guessed right, buying a book made of paper! So, this Buy A Book Day, buy a book!

Buy a Book Day timeline

3200 B.C.
Clay Tablets

The Sumerians use clay tablets to write down information.

105 A.D.
The Art of Papermaking

The Chinese discover the art of creating paper.

2021
The First Buy A Book Day

The first Buy A Book Day is celebrated by book lovers.

2021
The Celebration Gets Bigger

The Buy A Book Day celebration gets bigger as people across the world celebrate it.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Buy a Book Day

Local businesses can celebrate Buy a Book Day by partnering with independent bookstores or libraries. Offer a discount to customers who show a recent book purchase receipt, or host a book swap event. Cafes can feature literary-themed drinks or offer a reading corner. Encourage employees to share their favorite books and consider starting a company book club to foster a culture of reading and learning.

Buy a Book Day FAQs

When is Buy a Book Day?

Buy a Book Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7, encouraging everyone to support authors and publishers by purchasing a new read.

How many Americans read books annually?

According to a 2022 Pew Research Center study, approximately 74% of U.S. adults reported reading at least one book in the past year, whether in print, e-book, or audiobook format.

Why is buying books important?

Buying books directly supports authors, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers, fueling the entire literary ecosystem. It ensures that new voices can emerge and diverse stories continue to be told.

What is the difference between an independent bookstore and a chain?

Independent bookstores are typically individually owned and operated, often reflecting the unique character and literary tastes of their local community. They prioritize curated selections and community events.

Buy a Book Day Activities

  1. Buy a book

    The greatest pleasure you can gain on Buy A Book Day is from buying books. So, head out to your local bookstore and buy a book!

  2. Gift a book

    What’s better than the gift of giving? On Buy A Book Day, gift some of your favorite books to your friends and family members — it’s bound to bring them, and you, so much joy.

  3. Share your favorite books

    Everyone has a favorite book. Take this opportunity to spread your love for your favorite book by lending it to someone.

5 Awesome Facts About Books

  1. 129 million books

    According to Google, there are over 129 million books in existence. Now that is a lot of books to read!

  2. The most expensive book

    The most expensive book ever purchased was “Codex Leicester” by Leonardo Da Vinci, which was sold for $30.4 million.

  3. The smell of old books

    There is a word for loving the smell of old books — ‘bibliosmia.’

  4. A sentence with 823 words

    There is a sentence in Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables” that contains 823 words.

  5. The first book using a typewriter

    The first book that was written using a typewriter was “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”

Why We Love Buy a Book Day

  1. Books can change us

    Books are not just materials to read; it has been proven to promote brain growth, improve memory, raise our I.Q., spark creativity, and increase problem-solving skills.

  2. Books bring people together

    Reading books and sharing the love for books with your friends, family, or even with strangers fosters a healthy relationship. Books can bring people together.

  3. Books teach us about life

    Books are a gateway to another world. Books can teach you something new and may even teach valuable life lessons that can help you.

Buy a Book Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 7 Monday
2027 September 7 Tuesday
2028 September 7 Thursday
2029 September 7 Friday
2030 September 7 Saturday