1 Million Books Given Away

1 Million Books Given Away for World Book Night
World Book Night took place across the UK and Ireland on March 5th. A committee of book lovers selected 25 titles to be handed out at the largest book give-away of all time. 20,000 passionate readers who won the book give-away contest were each given 48 books of a single title to give away as they pleased. Volunteers handed out the remaining 40,000 books at various locations including prisons, hospitals, and homeless shelters. A few independent book sellers expressed concern about the event, though most authors supported the literary cause. Margaret Atwood, whose book The Blind Assassin was one of the 25 given away, said that circulating books in this way would create new readers. Atwood joined several authors to read to over 10,000 people in London’s Trafalgar Square as part of the literary event. Organizers hope World Book Night will catch on around the world, and give the declining book industry the boost it needs.

1. This event took place in the UK and Ireland.
2. 20,000 readers who won a contest gave away many of the books. Volunteers gave away the rest.
3. Some independent booksellers were opposed to the book give-away.