What if once a year 25,000 people gave away 500,000 books to complete strangers, all on one day? And what if the publishers and authors agreed to donate the books, and they were distributed throughout the country, available for volunteers to pick up at their local bookstores and libraries? It actually happens — World Book Night — and it’s coming up on April 23.
Begun in Britain and spreading around the world, World Book Night gives away millions of books for free to people all on one day. Individuals sign up to give away books, picking them up at their local bookstore or library, and then give them to strangers on World Book Night. This year, actress and comedian Amy Poehler has been selected to serve as World Book Night’s honorary chairwoman.
The night before the event, April 22, DIESEL in Malibu is having a party at 7 p.m. to give the books to the givers.
Malibu has been selected for one of the 30 WBN Launch Events around the country, with Jesse Andrews, author of “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” which is one of this year’s WBN choices. He will be discussing his book and the importance of WBN. Volunteers will also be welcome to speak about their experiences giving away books.
It’s not too late to join in on the fun — those interested in volunteering for the fun event should visit the DIESEL website.