- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- BooksFun
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 1st Sunday of March
- Holiday emoji:
- đŸ“±
Read an eBook Week lights up the first full week of March, encouraging readers to dive into digital literature. Explore new genres, discover independent authors, and take advantage of special promotions. Grab your device and start your next adventure!
Want to sponsor Read an eBook Week? Learn how
Expected Read an eBook Week Deals
As Read an eBook Week approaches, expect a surge in digital promotions from major retailers and independent publishers. Last year, Amazon Kindle offered daily deals on bestsellers, while Barnes & Noble Nook provided discounts on popular series. Platforms like Kobo and Google Play Books frequently feature bundles and free titles to attract new readers. Independent authors on platforms like Smashwords and Draft2Digital often run significant price drops or even offer free downloads of their work. Don’t forget to check your local library’s digital lending services, such as those powered by OverDrive or Libby, for free access to a vast collection. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 1 approaches.
Platform Guide for Read an eBook Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ReadeBookWeek. Share photos of your e-reader, favorite digital book covers, or your cozy reading nook.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #ReadeBookWeek. Create short videos reviewing your latest eBook find, showcasing e-reader features, or doing a ‘what I’m reading’ montage.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ReadeBookWeek. Join online book clubs, share articles about digital publishing trends, and discuss your favorite eBook authors.
Read an eBook Week Hero
Michael S. Hart
History of Read an eBook Week
In 2004, Rita Toews introduced Read an eBook Week after being frustrated by the traditional mode of publishing and distribution. Many great books were being released by new authors, but their works were not recognized by regular publishers and distributors. According to Toews, it was almost impossible for new authors to be promoted, so there had to be another means of getting their voices heard. At the time, ebooks were relatively new and not well accepted. The best way to do that was to start Read an eBook Week. Immediately, she registered the event to make it legitimate and informed libraries, T.V. and radio stations, as well as other authors, retailers, and publishers about the initiative.
The holiday was created to allow new and upcoming writers to advertise their books to a much larger audience. In the same manner, retailers can also announce discounts on ebooks, while some go as far as offering their books for free. This gesture attracts thousands of readers. Read an eBook Week was also born out of the idea that ebooks are an efficient, if not a more effective way, of directing books from authors to readers.
A centralized website was also established along with the holiday, where retailers and authors can put up the promo for their books. It is from this general website that readers and book lovers are then directed to the respective websites of retailers. As a result, people soon responded, and readers were attracted in their thousands to the websites of the retailers who bought into the initiative.
Read an eBook Week timeline
Writer Bob Brown discloses an idea of an eReader called ‘Readies.’
Angela Ruiz Robles invents the device called ‘Enciclopedia MecĂ¡nica’ to reduce the burden of school children having to bring numerous books to school.
Michael S. Hart invents the device to pioneer what we know today as the ebook.
Rita Toews introduces Read an eBook Week.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Read an eBook Week
Local bookstores can host virtual ‘eBook discovery’ events, showcasing new digital releases and e-reader accessories. Libraries can promote their digital lending services, offering workshops on how to use apps like Libby or OverDrive. Independent authors can collaborate with local businesses for cross-promotional giveaways, offering signed print copies alongside free eBook downloads. Tech retailers can highlight the latest e-readers and tablets, running special discounts during the week to encourage digital reading adoption.
Read an eBook Week FAQs
When is Read an eBook Week?
Read an eBook Week in 2027 will be observed from Sunday, March 7, to Saturday, March 13. This annual event encourages readers worldwide to embrace digital books and e-reading platforms.
How popular are eBooks?
Millions of readers worldwide regularly engage with eBooks. Recent data indicates that around 23% of all book sales in the U.S. are digital, highlighting their enduring popularity and accessibility.
What are the benefits of reading eBooks?
Beyond portability, eBooks provide instant access to new titles and classics, often without leaving home. Many platforms also offer accessibility features for readers with visual impairments, making literature more inclusive.
What is the difference between an e-reader and a tablet?
Tablets are multi-purpose devices with backlit LCD or OLED screens, suitable for a wide range of tasks beyond reading, such as browsing the web, gaming, and watching videos. While they can display eBooks, they are not optimized for extended reading sessions like dedicated e-readers.
Read an eBook Week Activities
Purchase and read an ebook
There are a plethora of ebooks available on the internet. Take advantage of the discounted prices and try to finish reading a book.
Submit your book for electronic publishing
One of the easiest formats to publish in is the ebook format. One of the best times to do so is during Read an eBook Week.
Spread the word
Use your social media accounts to spread the word about the holiday. Also, invite your friends to take up your reading list and engage in discussions over it.
5 Key Facts About Ebooks
First I.S.B.N. for an ebook
The first I.S.B.N. for an ebook was obtained by author Kim D. Blagg.
First commercially available ebook reader
The Sony Data Discman was one of the first ebook readers and was launched to the public in Japan.
The smallest eBook reader
The smallest ebook reader is a 2.9-inch E-Ink display, designed just for reading haiku.
One million ebooks
James Patterson is the first author to sell one million ebooks.
Libraries offer ebooks
More than 70% of libraries in the U.S. offer ebook services.
Why We Love Read an eBook Week
It encourages more reading
This holiday is a perfect time to enjoy that book that you've put off for a long time. You can engage with your friends or go at it alone.
Discounts and free books
Book lovers can take advantage of the discount offer and free sales to stock their digital library. It’s a good time for aspiring writers to promote their books.
Ebooks do not require paper
Ebooks are completely digital and therefore do not require the usage of paper and other materials. This helps the environment and we love it.
Read an eBook Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 1–7 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | March 7–13 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | March 5–11 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | March 4–10 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | March 3–9 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Read an eBook Week
Individuals
Creators
Brands