Buy a Book Day

Buy a Book Day is observed on September 7 each year. It’s a heartwarming invitation to support the tradition of reading by picking up a paper book—celebrating books as more than media but as living stories that connect us all.

September 6 is also National Read a Book Day.

History of Buy a Book Day

Buy a Book Day first appeared online around 2010, sparked by a blog post on Grasping for the Wind, where author Philip Athans passionately argued that simply buying a book on that day could support an industry built on love and storytelling, often operating on very slim margins. Later, it attained broader recognition as a day meant to encourage people to value books as cultural pillars and to help revive the act of buying—not just reading—books.

Why is Buy a Book Day important?

Buy a Book Day feels like a small but powerful stand in favor of stories, of authors, and of bookstores. In an age when screens dominate our attention, this day nudges us to touch the spines of books, feel their texture, and invest in joy that lives in physical form. It’s a reminder that buying a book doesn’t just fill our shelves—it supports creators, distributors, and the vibrant ecosystem that breathes life into stories.

Also, this day is about community in a quiet way: when we buy books—especially from independent shops—we champion creativity, sustain local culture, and help build spaces where ideas can flow. Each purchase becomes a vote for connection, memory, and meaning that lasts far beyond a swipe.

Here are a few human reasons why this day matters:

• it uplifts authors, publishers, and booksellers with each purchase
• it keeps the magic of holding a book alive in a digital world
• it reminds us how books can spark imagination, comfort, and curiosity
• it connects us through stories—real and shared
• it supports independent bookstores and their unique charm

How to Observe Buy a Book Day

Celebrating Buy a Book Day can be delightfully simple. Head to your favorite bookstore—bonus points if it’s local or independent—and pick out a book you’ve been curious about. Maybe buy a surprise for a friend, or choose a debut author whose voice you want to champion. If brick-and-mortar isn’t accessible, an online purchase still shares the love—but consider ordering directly from a small press or local retailer if you can.

You could also make it social: join a book swap, gift a book to someone dear, or shout out what you’re reading online with #BuyABookDay and spark others to join the journey. Whatever form it takes, the beauty lies in choosing with the heart and helping stories continue their life beyond the page.

Here are some gentle, fulfilling ways to celebrate:

• buy a book—new or second-hand—that interests you
• gift a meaningful book to a friend or family member
• visit and support an independent bookstore, if possible
• post your purchase online to inspire others and share joy
• organize or join a small book exchange with loved ones

Buy a Book Day Dates Table