International Literacy Day is observed every September 8. Established by UNESCO in 1966 and first celebrated in 1967, it highlights literacy as a human right and a pathway to education, equality, and opportunity.
For children and adults alike, literacy is a doorway to knowledge and imagination. At FableReads, we believe that stories are one of the best ways to spark curiosity, encourage empathy, and bring people together. International Literacy Day is a chance to celebrate that shared belief while supporting a worldwide movement that values education and learning.
Theme for 2025
Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era. The focus is on how technology expands access to reading and learning while raising new challenges such as online safety, misinformation, and unequal access to devices and the internet (UNESCO).
Several organizations are also spotlighting Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Multilingual Understanding and Peace, underscoring the value of learning in multiple languages for inclusion and cultural understanding. (Save the Children).
Why Literacy Day Is Worth Celebrating
Literacy strengthens futures. When children learn to read and write, they gain the skills to continue learning throughout life. Adults who improve their literacy have more opportunities to find stable work, provide for their families, and participate in community life.
Digital literacy is essential. Today, reading and writing also involve understanding digital platforms. People need to know how to find trustworthy information, protect their privacy, and use technology responsibly.
Language connects communities. Supporting literacy in multiple languages helps preserve culture and ensures that people feel included in education systems. It also allows people from different backgrounds to share ideas and understand one another.
How the World Celebrates
Across the globe, International Literacy Day 2025 will be marked with storytelling sessions, book drives, reading challenges, and community workshops.
Storytelling and Reading Sessions: Teachers, parents, and community leaders hold storytelling circles, read-aloud sessions, and discussions about books. These activities encourage children to see reading as both fun and valuable.
Global Campaigns: The International Literacy Association (ILA) is running a campaign in 2025 called “Every Page Has a Purpose.” Activities include “Readers in the Wild,” where participants share photos of people reading in everyday places. The campaign also includes book recommendations and community projects that inspire people to share their love of reading (ILA).
International Events: UNESCO and its partners are organizing worldwide events and conferences to discuss literacy in the digital era. In Cameroon, a special celebration will take place on September 9–10, 2025, as part of the African Union’s Year of Education (University Living).
These efforts remind communities that literacy is not limited to classrooms. It is a lifelong journey that everyone can take part in, from children learning their first letters to adults discovering new knowledge.
How You Can Celebrate with FableReads
At FableReads, our goal is to make timeless fables easy to enjoy for children, parents, and educators. International Literacy Day is a perfect moment to use these resources in meaningful ways:
Read a Fable Together: Pick a classic fable from our collection and enjoy it as a family, in the classroom, or even during bedtime.
Talk About the Lesson: Each fable carries a moral. Ask questions and share reflections to help children connect the story to real-life situations.
Listen and Learn: Explore our audio versions of fables to make storytime more engaging, especially for kids who love to listen and imagine.
Try a New Language: Explore a story in another language to experience multilingual learning.
Spread the Joy: Share your favorite fable link with others to encourage more families to read together.
International Literacy Day is a reminder of how important reading and writing are for individuals and for society as a whole. It shows us that learning is not limited to classrooms or textbooks but is something that can happen anywhere and at any age. Stories, whether told through books, spoken aloud, or shared online, remain one of the strongest ways to inspire and connect people.
At FableReads, we are committed to supporting literacy by providing free fables and activities that children and families can enjoy together. You can also help us spread the joy of reading by buying one of our books and giving it to someone who would love a story. Buy our book here.
On September 8, 2025, join us in celebrating this day by reading, listening, and sharing stories that build both knowledge and imagination.
