National Books Day

A young girl sitting on a grassy hill, with a stack of colorful books beside her, surrounded by floating letters and illustrations.. — National books day illustration

Welcome to the whimsical world of National Books Day, where we celebrate the power of stories, the joy of reading, and the wonder of imagination! Grab a cozy blanket, curl up in your favorite armchair, and get ready to dive into a literary adventure like no other.

When is Books Day?

It's national books day on the 17th May.

Unleash Your Inner Bookworm

There's nothing quite like the feeling of getting lost in a good book. Whether you prefer fantasy, mystery, romance, or non-fiction, books have the magical ability to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and teach us valuable lessons. National Books Day is all about celebrating the written word and the incredible impact it has on our lives.

So how did National Books Day come to be? Well, it all started when a group of book lovers got together and decided that books deserve a day of their own. They wanted to create a special occasion where people from all walks of life could come together to share their love for reading and discover new literary treasures.

On May 17, 2018, National Books Day burst onto the scene with a flurry of online activity. People took to social media to talk about their favorite books, recommend must-reads, and share heartwarming stories about how books have changed their lives.

The Joy of Reading and Sharing

One of the things that makes National Books Day so special is the opportunity it provides to connect with fellow book enthusiasts. Book clubs organize virtual meetings and discussions, libraries host online reading sessions, and authors engage with their readers through Q&A sessions and live book signings.

But National Books Day isn't just about reading alone. It's also about sharing the love of books with others, especially younger generations. Many schools and communities organize storytelling events and book drives to ensure that every child has the chance to experience the joy of reading.

So, whether you're a literary connoisseur or a casual reader, National Books Day has something for everyone. Grab that dusty novel from your shelf, or discover a new author you've never heard of before. Immerse yourself in the magic of words and let your imagination run wild!

History behind the term 'Books'

2400 BCE

Origins of Writing

Books have their origins in the development of writing systems. Around 2400 BCE, the Sumerians in Mesopotamia developed a system of writing known as cuneiform. This system used stylus-like tools to press wedge-shaped marks into clay tablets. These tablets were then dried and could be stored for future reference. The cuneiform script marked the beginning of recorded information and laid the foundation for what would later become books.

3rd century BCE

Papyrus Scrolls

In ancient Greece and Egypt, papyrus scrolls were used as a popular form of writing material. Papyrus was made from the pith of the papyrus plant, which was dried and pressed together to form sheets. These sheets were then joined together to create a scroll. Papyrus scrolls were lightweight and portable, making them easier to handle and store than clay tablets. This development allowed for the creation of longer texts, paving the way for more extensive written works.

2nd century BCE

Codex Format

The codex format, which is the ancestor of modern books, originated in the 2nd century BCE. Unlike scrolls, the codex was made by folding sheets of papyrus or parchment in half and binding them together along the folded edge. This new format provided several advantages over scrolls. It allowed for easier navigation, as specific pages could be quickly located. Additionally, it offered greater protection to the written content, preventing wear and tear. The adoption of the codex format marked a significant shift in the way knowledge and information were organized and accessed.

15th century CE

Printing Press

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized the production of books. Prior to the printing press, books were handwritten and laboriously copied by scribes. Gutenberg's invention made it possible to mass-produce books using movable type. This innovation drastically reduced the cost and time required to create books, making them more accessible to a broader audience. The printing press facilitated the spread of knowledge and contributed to the rise of literacy.

20th century CE

Paperbacks and E-Books

The 20th century brought further advancements in the world of books. In the 1930s, paperback books gained popularity, offering affordable and portable reading options. This format made books more accessible to a wider range of readers. With the advent of digital technology, e-books emerged in the late 20th century. E-books allowed for the convenient storage and distribution of written content, revolutionizing the publishing industry. Today, e-books coexist with printed books, providing readers with diverse options for accessing and enjoying written works.