February 14 represents another fabulous day of Black History Month. It is Valentine’s Day. It is also International Book Giving Day. I believe it is fitting that International Book Giving the same is the same day as Valentine’s Day.  Books can say so much. You can say much more to someone by giving them a book than you could with chocolates or flowers. 

If you really love our youth, then I suggest you use today to find books to donate to children or to their schools. Resources cost money, and money is tight at many schools. Last year, I donated 125 books to a school. This former English teacher may have a problem with accumulating too many books, but I also remember the joy on students’ faces when they received those books.

Yes, library cards are free, but some kids cannot go to the library. Not every parent permits or even makes the time to take their children to the library. A literacy-rich environment at home increases the opportunity for children to read. It is my wish that all children have a wall full of books in their homes. We can start building that wall by getting books into their hands.

My call to action is for each person to find at least one book to give away to a child. If you want to do a large donation of books, first check with the source you would like to send the donation.  Then you will be informed if there are any restrictions on what you can donate.

There are multiple ways you can celebrate today; however, I’m a firm believer that it is better to give than to receive. I bet a child you know would love to receive a book today!