International Literacy Day, held annually on September 8, marks a global moment to recognize literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of equity, opportunity, and social justice. This year, the International Literacy Association (ILA) is launching an exciting month-long campaign that celebrates this important effort through our Children’s Rights to Read initiative. 

About the Campaign

Anchored in the belief that “Every Page Has a Purpose,” we are championing every child’s fundamental right to access, enjoy, and benefit from reading. Through the lens of ILA’s Children’s Rights to Read, our campaign will unfold over five themed weeks in September. 

We’re preparing to roll out events that include “Readers in the Wild,” where you can share sightings of people reading in everyday places, and #MyBookVoice, which spotlights book recommendations from kids themselves. Other activities will include assembling community book bags filled with stories and projects, and a call to action in support of vital public and school libraries during the run up to the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week (October 5–11, 2025).

How to Get Involved

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to be notified when our activities kit is live in August. Participation can be as simple as sparking conversation in the comments, amplifying our message on your own social platforms, and using the event hashtags.

This International Literacy Day, we invite you to commit to our campaign. Every child deserves not just to read, but to love reading. Start today by partnering with us to advocate and celebrate literacy, equity, and the transformative power of reading.

Learn More

Right To Read: 4 Advocacy Organizations With Resources To Fight Book Bans

Literacy Today magazine: Thinking Critically