READ AN E-BOOK Day

Read An eBook Day is observed every September 18 to celebrate the 24/7 reading accessibility and ease that ebooks offer. Can you imagine that although the idea of an ebook was born in 1930, it wasn’t until 41 years later that it came into existence?

An ebook (electronic book) is a book presented in digital format that people can read on dedicated e-readers, mobile phones, tablets, or P.Cs. An ebook can contain texts, images, or both. Due to ebooks’ accessibility and immense popularity, many classics and old bestselling books have been republished as ebooks. Even many authors are now choosing to mainly publish their books only in ebook format.

HISTORY OF READ AN EBOOK DAY

The idea of an ebook was born in 1930 after Rob Brown watched his first talkie — movies with sound. He introduced this idea in his manifesto, explaining what he envisioned the future for books should look like.

In 1949, a Spanish teacher, Angela Ruiz Robles invented the first automated book reader, the Enciclopedia Mecánica. Texts and graphics were loaded onto the device using spools and operated with compressed air. Robles’ idea of an automated reader was born out of the desire to reduce the number of books that kids had to carry to school every day. However, the device never went into mass production, and the prototype ended up at the National Museum of Science and Technology in A Coruña.

Despite Robles’ invention, it would take 22 years for the first ebook to appear, and that was by a stroke of luck and the introduction of the internet. After being given unprecedented computer time, Michael Hart decided to type his copy of the Declaration of Independence into a computer in plain text. He then shared it on the ARPANET to be freely downloaded by everyone. That led to the founding of Project Gutenberg, which focused on creating electronic copies of texts and publications.

The late 1980s and the 2000s saw different inventions and innovations that helped shape the ebook into what it is today, including the introduction of the first e-readers, standardization of ebook formats, and online ebook stores.

In 2014, OverDrive got the idea to create a day to celebrate the existence of ebooks. That eventually led to the annual celebration of Read An Ebook Day every September 18.

READ AN EBOOK DAY TIMELINE

1930

The Readies

Bob Brown introduces the concept of an ebook in his manifesto, “The Readies.”

1971

Project Gutenberg

Michael Hart launches Project Gutenberg to create electronic copies of texts and books.

1993

Ebook is now commercial

BiblioBytes introduces a website for selling ebooks on the internet.

2014

Read An Ebook Day is Born

OverDrive, an ebook distribution company, launches Read An Ebook Day.

READ AN EBOOK DAY FAQS

Can you print an ebook?

Due to the limitations imposed by publishers and copyright, it’s not possible to print an entire ebook. However, you can print a percentage of the ebook for your reading.

Where can I download ebooks for free?

Websites that can legally download ebooks online for free include Project Gutenberg, Open Library, Internet Archive, P.D.F. Books World, Planet ebook, and Amazon Free Kindle Books.

What do I need to read an ebook?

There are several ways you can read an ebook, depending on what you find to be comfortable for you. There are dedicated ebook devices like Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s NOOK, and Sony Reader that are mainly for reading ebooks. You can also download ebook readers on your tablet, smartphone, laptop, or desktop and read your eBooks on it.

READ AN EBOOK DAY ACTIVITIES

  1. Read an ebookWhat better way is there to celebrate Read An eBook Day than to read an ebook?! You can use this day to read one of your favorite books or the next book on your reading list that is available in ebook format. Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or hot choco while reading. You can also go to your favorite spot in the city and read the ebook.
  2. Start an ebook clubAn ebook club offers a lot more options than your average book club. That means you can meet online and collaborate on your reading. Also, you won’t have to wait for the print copy of a book before starting your reading. Starting an ebook club is not as complicated as it may seem. Invite a few friends to work together with you on it, write a list of books that should be read for the first months, set meeting times, and promote your club on social media and event websites.
  3. Write and publish your first ebookAnother way to celebrate Read An eBook Day as an aspiring author is to write your first ebook. In this internet age, getting your book out there is easier than ever. Using tools like Bit.ai, Google Docs, Calibre, and Scrivener, you can convert your novel into ebook formats within minutes at little to no cost. You can even have it for purchase online within hours with platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct, NOOK Press, Lulu, and Google Play.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EBOOKS THAT YOU DON’T KNOW

  1. A Bible commentary is the longest ebookThe MacArthur New Testament Commentary is the longest single ebook, equivalent to 13,080 print pages.
  2. Fiction reigns supremeFiction is the highest-selling ebook genre.
  3. 56,000 ebooks every 30 daysEvery month, about 56,000 ebooks are self-published and released for readers’ consumption.
  4. Only a minority consume just ebooksAccording to statistics, it’s just 7% of the American adult population that only read ebooks.
  5. Print books still outsell ebooksDespite the global pandemic, sales of print books increased by 13.2%, and that of ebooks fell by 8%, compared to 2020.

WHY WE LOVE READ AN EBOOK DAY

  1. eBooks are sustainableUnlike print books, you don’t have to cut down trees to publish ebooks. Also, you don’t need a dedicated room or library to store ebooks. That helps reduce your carbon footprint and the impact of climate change.
  2. eBooks are accessibleSince ebooks are available online, you can quickly go to an online store, search for the latest book from your favorite author, and buy and download it in less than 10 minutes. With your smartphone, e-reader, or tablet, you can store hundreds of ebooks, placing information at your fingertips. These save you the time of driving to a bookstore or lugging books with you.
  3. eBooks make it easier to become an authorWith ebooks, you can have a book written today and publish it by the following day. You don’t need to have an entire editorial team or the backing of a major book publisher. That is especially helpful if you are a new author looking to build their experience or have a limited budget.

READ AN EBOOK DAY DATES

YearDateDay2023September 18Monday2024September 18Wednesday2025September 18Thursday2026September 18Friday2027September 18Saturday

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NATIONAL IT PROFESSIONALS DAY

Annually on the third Tuesday in September, National IT Professionals Day honors the venerable geeks of the world we all rely on to keep us connected.

The IT (information technology) professional is the unsung hero of modern business. These under-appreciated wizzes tackle the obstacles that leave the rest of us scratching our heads. Whether it be desktops, laptops, mobile devices, applications, servers, networks, databases or cybersecurity, IT professionals keep business humming. However, there is often a lack of understanding by business leaders and end-users of the important role they play and the difficulties and complexities associated with modern IT.

It’s also a great day for IT professionals to showcase their expertise. While they’re often solving computer and network issues, they also have a knack for developing and creating. Their insight into the technical universe brings numerous opportunities to individuals and businesses alike. If you tap into all their innovative knowledge, you might be surprised where it takes you.

NATIONAL IT PROFESSIONALS DAY HISTORY

Solarwinds, a provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, created National IT Professionals Day in March 2015.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE IT PRO DAY

If you’re an end-user, simply say thank you to the IT professionals that make your life easier. You can also give them a shout out on social media. 

If you’re a business leader, in addition to saying thank you, also recognize and seek out the unique insight your IT professionals can provide in today’s always-on, always-connected world to help you make smart strategic business decisions. Recognizing the value of an IT professional will lead to a greater competitive advantage. Highlight their accomplishments, too. You might discover untapped potential if you do. 

IT professionals, share why you love what you do. Encourage others interested in the field. While you celebrate the day, include other IT professions. Host competition or propose a challenge. The winners get bragging rights until next year.

Also, share #ITProDay on Social Media to increase awareness of just how important our IT professionals are.

NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY

National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6th.  On August 9th, we all celebrated National Book Lovers Day.  While these bookish days may seem similar, National Read a Book Day invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading.  

Don’t keep it to yourself.  Share the experience!  Read aloud either to children or to grandparents.  Read to your pets or to your stuffed animals and plants.  

Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime.  Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too!

A Great way to enjoy reading even more are these:

Featured Books

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Set during the Civil War, Little Women follows the life of the March family. Loosely based on Alcott’s life, she cast herself as talented the Jo March. 

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens – David Copperfield tells the story of a young boy’s life as he struggles to become a writer. From an abusive start and many trials, the author relays the memories of his life. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling – The 7th book in the Harry Potter series brings Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger back to Hogwarts for a final standoff with Voldemort and his Deatheaters.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George – This is the story of nine-year-old Miyax and her transition from an Inuit culture to an American one in San Francisco.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – Loved by generations, this classic story tells of the bond between a boy and his dog in the Ozarks. 

The Three Muskateers by Alexander Dumas When young d’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the ranks of the Musketeers, he soon finds himself challenged to three duels with Athos, Porthos and Aramis. However, the foursome is abruptly attacked by the evil Cardinal Richelieu’s guards, and d’Artagnan fights alongside them, proving his skills with a sword and his honour. The three Musketeers enfold d’Artagnan into their ranks, and what follows is a swashbuckling tale full of intrigue, friendship and revenge.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ReadABookDay

Sit back, relax and read a book. Whether you prefer to escape into the world of fiction or learn something new, celebrate with your favorite books. Visit the library or the local book store. Pick up a new book or read an old favorite. Explore the past in history books and memoirs or dive into the mean of terrific poetry. Read aloud to a child or give them a new book. Share the stories you’re reading using #ReadABookDay to post on social media.

If you need any suggestions or just looking for something new these are some of my favorite authors.

Julia Quinn
Diana Galbaldon
Suzanne Brockmann
Sherrilyn McQueen (a.k.a  Kenyon)
Lisa Kleypas
J.M. Madden
Suzanne Enoch

James Patterson
Patricia Cornwell
David Balducci
Janet Evanovich

Steven King
John Grisham
Dean Koontz
J D Robb
Michael Connelly
Agatha Christie
Tolkien
George R. R. Martin
Harper Lee

NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH

NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH

Every September, National Mortgage Professional Month recognizes the professionals who play a role in helping people finance the dream of homeownership. 

Since 2011, home sales in the United States have steadily grown, meaning each year more and more people are buying a home. Whether it’s a first home or the next home, mortgage professions understand how exciting and stressful the process can be. A mortgage professional takes on the task of making sure everything is in place by closing day. They may be loan officers, processors, underwriters, servicers, insurers, or other mortgage professionals, but all of them work hard to make your home loan a reality. 

Their varied roles may include:

  • Reviewing loan applications
  • Verifying credit
  • Processing loan applications
  • Appraising the property
  • Examining the title
  • Verifying the purchase price, annual percentage rate, and term of the loan
  • Preparing the loan

Most people are not aware of the number of people and amount of work involved between the moment someone decides to buy a home and the day the final contracts are signed. 

NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH HISTORY

In 2015, United Guaranty founded National Mortgage Professional Month to honor all mortgage professionals.

HOW TO OBSERVE #MortgageProfessionalMonth

During September, give a mortgage professional you know a shout-out. Recommend them to someone who is looking for a new home. Let them know you appreciate all they do to help people achieve homeownership. If you’re considering purchasing a home, learn about the process and what to expect. 

Use #MortgageProfessionalMonth to share on social media.