This spring, join Penguin Random House, the American Library Association, authors, and readers across the country in celebrating National Readathon Day on Saturday, May 21. Watch how other Penguin Random House authors are lending their support to the cause and keep reading to learn how you can join in.
National Readathon Day is a fundraising and social-media awareness campaign dedicated to promoting children’s literacy, and reading at any age. Leading up to and during the Readathon, you can engage with readers across the country by using the hashtag #Readathon2016 and streaming live video through Facebook Live.
Last year, the first-ever National Readathon Day raised $100,000 for the National Book Foundation’s efforts to support literacy and to deliver books to underserved communities. This year, all funds raised will benefit the American Library Association’s efforts to promote literacy development in children from birth to age five through programs in public libraries nationwide.
The goal of Readathon Day is to establish a truly national day of reading and a new generation of lifelong readers, with help from authors like you. Here’s how you can get involved this spring:
1. Join the conversation
Leading up to and during Readathon Day, connect with readers over your shared love of books by using the hashtag #Readathon2016. Tell your readers how you plan to celebrate the day and how reading has made you a better writer, or challenge your fans to see how many combined hours they can read. Visit the Readathon share page for shareable images, videos, and gifs. Be sure to follow the hashtag to see how other authors and readers will be spending the day and supporting childhood literacy.
2. Use Facebook Live to connect with your readers directly
Give your readers a behind-the-scenes look using Facebook’s streaming video tool, Facebook Live. You can stream directly to your followers to share what you’re working on, where you write, or your favorite reads for Readathon Day. Facebook has updated its algorithm to favor live videos, which will give your content top billing on your audience’s timelines. In addition, your users will receive notifications each time you start to stream. Click here to learn more about Facebook Live, and here for tips on how to attract the most viewers for the biggest impact.
3. Host or attend a Readathon Day party
As part of the campaign, libraries, schools, community centers, and other gathering places across the country will host parties and events where dedicated readers can gather to strengthen connections by reading together. Partner with your local library, bookstore, school, or other community center to host a Readathon Day party, bringing readers and communities together. Visit the Readathon Day reading parties page for event ideas or to find an event near you.
We hope you will join us in supporting National Readathon Day and early childhood literacy programs nationwide. If you have questions or would like to become more involved, please email the Readathon Day team at readathon@penguinrandomhouse.com.
Emily Condlin works in the legal department and on cross-departmental corporate projects at Penguin Random House.