Born on September 8
International Literacy Day
Every reader was taught by someone.
Next: September 8, 2027
Where it comes from
UNESCO proclaimed 8 September International Literacy Day in 1966, following the World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy held in Tehran the year before; the first observance was in 1967.
How it's celebrated
UNESCO awards its International Literacy Prizes and announces a theme each year; libraries, schools and literacy charities hold reading events, book donations and adult-learning open days. Many people simply give a book, or read to a child.
Did you know
Global adult literacy has risen from roughly 42 per cent in 1960 to about 87 per cent today.
Read the full story of International Literacy Day
Also on this day
- World Physiotherapy Day · For the people who get you moving again.
Star sign
Virgo · August 23 – September 22 · Earth sign
Careful and kind, the one who notices what everyone else missed.