The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s Public Library, has been designated a Book Pick-Up Library by World Book Night. World Book Night is a celebration designed to spread a love of reading and of books. Successfully launched in the U.K. in 2011, WBN will also be celebrated in the U.S. in 2012 where, on April 23, volunteer “Book Givers” will go into their communities and give away copies of a book they have read and loved, promoting the value of reading and the printed word.
April 23 is designated because it is the UNESCO International Day of the Book, chosen in honor of Shakespeare and Cervantes, who both died on April 23 1616. Books are made available free of charge to the Book Givers through arrangements with authors (foregoing royalties) ; American book publishers; the American Booksellers Association; Barnes & Noble; the American Library Association; the Association of American Publishers; Ingram Book Company; UPS; and printers and binders who have paid for the production and shipping of specially-produced, not-for-resale paperbacks.
Book Pick-Up libraries are designated as convenient locations for Book Givers to receive their box of books prior to World Book Night. The Athenaeum is excited to be part of this initiative and share our love of books!
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