Blog Posts

What is International Literacy Day?

By Jodi Esposito

Reading Is Fundamental believes every child deserves the opportunity, confidence, and skills to become a reader. For 60 years, RIF and our partners have worked to change the trajectory of the alarming U.S. literacy crisis, which creates barriers between our nation's children and their opportunities. This mission is why International Literacy Day matters so much to us. 

What does International Literacy Day celebrate? 

International Literacy Day is a global observance held every year on September 8 to highlight the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and society. Established by UNESCO, the day reminds policy-makers, educators, and the public that literacy is a foundation for building a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable world. It is marked with events, campaigns, and conversations around the globe, all pointing back to one simple truth: reading changes lives. 

When did International Literacy Day start, and what is its history? 

International Literacy Day began in 1967, and 2026 marks its 60th anniversary. UNESCO created the observance to draw attention to literacy as a fundamental human right, one that opens the door to other human rights, greater freedoms, and full participation in society. Over six decades, the day has grown into an annual moment for reflection and action, drawing attention to how far the world has come and how far it still has to go. 

Why does International Literacy Day still matter? 

International Literacy Day still matters because millions of children and adults around the world lack basic reading skills. At least 739 million youth and adults worldwide still could not read or write at a basic level in 2024. At the same time, 4 in 10 children are not reaching minimum reading proficiency, and 272 million children and adolescents were out of school in 2023. Literacy is more than a school subject. It is a foundation for people to build knowledge, values, and the kind of respect and understanding that supports peaceful, connected communities. 

How does RIF's mission connect to International Literacy Day? 

RIF's mission connects directly to International Literacy Day because both are focused on the same urgent goal: making sure every child has the chance to read. Here in the United States, families and educators face their own version of the global literacy challenge. RIF and our partners work every day to change the trajectory of the U.S. literacy crisis, which creates barriers between children and the opportunities reading can unlock. This year carries extra meaning, as RIF also celebrates 60 years of putting books directly into the hands of children who need them most, the same span of time International Literacy Day has been reminding the world why that work matters. 

How can you help this International Literacy Day? 

You can help this International Literacy Day by joining RIF in our 60th anniversary celebration and supporting our work to reach more children with books of their own. You can learn more about our 60 years of impact at https://www.rif.org/60. Six decades in, our mission has never felt more urgent, and the need has never been greater. This September 8, consider marking International Literacy Day by making a donation to RIF. Your gift helps us put books into the hands of children who might otherwise never own one, giving them a chance to build the reading skills and confidence that will shape their future. Join us in celebrating 60 years of impact and help write the next chapter for kids and reading. 

You can help this International Literacy Day by joining RIF in a few different ways. Join us for a global day of reading in celebration of this milestone year and access 100 free ebooks on Skybrary to spark a love of reading for a child in your life. You can also learn more about our 60th anniversary. Six decades in, our mission has never felt more urgent, and the need has never been greater. This September 8, consider marking International Literacy Day by making a donation to RIF. Your gift helps us put books into the hands of children who might otherwise never own one, giving them a chance to build the reading skills and confidence that will shape their future. Join us in celebrating 60 years of impact and help write the next chapter for kids and reading.