This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Literacy Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Literacy Day is observed on September 8th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Literacy Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you might want to know about World Literacy Day.
📅 What day is World Literacy Day 2024?
In 2024, World Literacy Day is on Friday, September 8th. It is the 2nd Friday in September; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about September 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
“World Literacy Day” is marked annually on September 8 to highlight the significance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes the need for increased efforts to promote literacy worldwide.
📜 World Literacy Day History
Since 1967, World Literacy Day has been celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and to support efforts towards a more literate and progressive society. The aim is not just to eradicate illiteracy but to empower individuals and communities through literacy, enabling them to find better opportunities and improve their lives.
Though there has been progress in children’s literacy rates, adult literacy rates still pose a challenge, with over 773 million people worldwide lacking basic literacy skills.
Literacy is a crucial aspect of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2015, World Literacy Day was included in the Sustainable Development Goals program. One of the goals is to ensure that all young people acquire reading and writing skills, and that adults who lack these skills have the opportunity to learn.
Even in times of global crisis, efforts have been made to ensure continuity in learning, such as through distance learning, which complements traditional in-person education. However, access to literacy education is not always readily available.
The sudden shift to digital learning during the current era highlights existing disparities in infrastructure and technological skills, as well as limitations in services like electricity availability, which hinder learning opportunities.
✅ World Literacy Day Facts
🔖 Not-so-light reading
Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Codex Leicester” is known as the priciest book ever sold. This remarkable piece of work, penned in 1510, was acquired by Bill Gates at an astonishing price of $30.8 million.
🔖 Ancient halls
The world’s oldest functioning library, which was established in 565 A.D., can be found on the slopes of Mount Sinai in Egypt. It is situated within Saint Catherine’s Monastery and holds the second-largest collection of manuscripts in the world, second only to the Vatican City.
🔖 That ‘good story’ smell
“Bibliosma” is the term used to describe the pleasant aroma that one enjoys when smelling books.
👍 Why Is World Literacy Day Important
The day’s goal is to raise awareness, ignite debate, and encourage action around literacy as a force for human progress. The commemoration highlights the significance of literacy and the critical role it plays in our society.
Literacy is a transformative force in any culture. Rising levels of education can have an impact on alleviating poverty, lowering infant mortality, regulating population growth, and achieving gender equality.
Society Literacy Day is an essential reminder of the joys and advantages of reading in the context of a digital world. It’s the ideal time to disconnect from the grid and get lost in a good book.
🙂 How To Observe World Literacy Day
⚡ Read a book
⚡ Encourage someone to read
Is there anything more satisfying than motivating others to read for the purpose of expanding their knowledge? It is truly gratifying to assist a family member who is embarking on their reading journey, or to offer tutoring to a neighbor or acquaintance in need.
⚡ Start a book club
Picking up a book is a simple way to begin celebrating! For a more immersive experience, go to your local library or literary center.
📅 When is World Literacy Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | September 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 8 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 8 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 8 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 8 | Friday |
You can view all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about World Literacy Day. So be sure to check back soon.