Local Bookstore Helps to Bring First U.S. World Book Night to Carroll County

The challenge is this – share the gift of reading with 20 strangers by handing out free books as part of a social movement to bring people together through literature. 

World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a love of reading and books.

Successfully launched in the United Kingdom in 2011, the program has a goal of recruiting 50,000 people in the United States and the UK to distribute a total of one million books in their communities on April 23.

A list of 30 books was posted on the World Book Night Website in December, and local book lovers are being asked to apply to be a giver during the celebration in April by picking up the free, specially-produced, not-for-resale World Book Night U.S. editions at their local book store and distributing them in their communities.

The "Givers” are pre-selected by the World Book Night Team and are required to fill out an application on the group's website by Feb. 1.

in Sykesville is currently the only bookstore in Carroll County registered to be a distribution location for volunteers to pick up their books. 

“They are really trying to get the word out and spread the value of reading to those who don't or are reluctant or can't afford to read,” said Debbie Scheller, owner of A Likely Story Bookstore on Main Street Sykesville.

Scheller is encouraging local readers to step up and help spread the word, even planning a pre-event volunteer wine and cheese party for a week before World Book Night.

“This evening will be to give information out, welcome everyone and thank them for helping to spread the love of reading,” she said.

For volunteers, there is no money involved in the evening, only time and a passion for reading.

“Volunteers are desperately needed in our area,” said Scheller, adding that all volunteers are required to do is register online, pick which books they would like to distribute, let organizers know why they want to volunteer, and where they will be delivering books. 

“I've heard some teachers have volunteered to give books to some high schoolers who are reluctant readers,” said Scheller.

As far as ideas on where to distribute books, Scheller had several. “Go to the mall, outside a movie theater, athletic fields, gyms, shopping centers, homeless shelters, senior centers, or anywhere you think you can put a book in hands of new or reluctant readers,” she said.

Interested in getting involved? Find more information on the event and fill out the application here.