Category Librarians

READ AN E-BOOK Day

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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 ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

If you didn’t remember September 22 is National Elephant Appreciation Day, it’s fine. We’re sure the elephant probably didn’t forget.

People of all ages are fascinated by elephants. Discover some interesting facts about them to celebrate with us! 

These captivating and social animals live between 60 to 70 years. Like humans, elephants develop remarkably close family bonds. Two species, the African Savannah and Asian elephant, exist. However, recently scientists suggested that the African Forest elephant is also a unique species and not a subspecies. 

Each day, poachers kill approximately 100 elephants for their ivory, meat, bones, and skin. 

These pachyderms are closely related to rhinoceroses and hippos. In fact, pachyderm describes thick-skinned animals with hooves or nails similar to hooves. While the African elephants outgrow the Asian, both hold the prize for the largest land mammal on earth. However, there are some differences between the species, though. 

Differences Between African & Asian Elephants:

  • The African elephant grows larger ears.
  • In the Asian species, only the male grows tusks. However, in the African, both male and female elephants grow tusks.
  • One of the things that fascinate us about elephants is their trunk. It’s super sensitive. At the end, a small finger-like appendage grows. The appendage, also known as a lobe, gives elephants the ability to pick up small twigs, bits of grass and other items. On the Asian elephant, the lobe grows at the top tip of the trunk. However, the African elephant grows a lobe at the top and bottom, giving it extra pinching dexterity. 
  • Both species live in herds. The herds are led primarily by a matriarch and comprised of sisters, daughters and their young. As the males grow, they move off on their own. Asian herds tend to be smaller than the African herds.
  • While both species are herbivores, their diets vary based on the available habitat. 

Elephants are spirited and playful animals. Have you ever seen them frolic in the water?  And they will defend their own with their mighty tusks. Whether foraging for food or digging a mud hole, their tusks are vital for survival. Since hunters value the ivory more than the life of the elephant, they endanger the continued existence of these majestic animals. 

Do elephants never forget? Well, studies have determined that elephants have excellent memories. They remember vital locations over large areas of land. Elephants also show recognition of faces and other elephants even after a long time has passed. And while we may be forgetful from time to time, we don’t recommend forgetting this holiday!

NATIONAL ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

National Elephant Appreciation Day originated in 1996 to raise awareness concerning the plight of elephants. 

The word “pachyderm” is often used in reference to an elephant. However, the elephant isn’t the only pachyderm in the world. The obsolete term was once a classification of animals which also included hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, pigs, and tapirs.

Elephants do sleep standing up, though not all the time. Wild elephants will spend more time sleeping standing up than their captive relatives.

Explore More…

National Wildlife Day

National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day

National Wildlife Conservation Day

National Endangered Species Day

World Lion Day

National Monkey Day

National Pig Day

National Elephant Day

National Dolphin Day

National Wildlife Week

World Wildlife Day

National American Eagle Day

Save the Eagles Day

National Panda Day

International Red Panda Day

National Zoo Lovers Day

National Zoo and Aquarium Month

HOW TO OBSERVE ELEPHANT APPRECIATION DAY

Don’t forget to celebrate the Elephant on September 22nd! Show your appreciation today by visiting the elephants at your local zoo. Get involved. Learn about conservation and eliminating poaching.

Read up about elephants. We suggest The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony or Love, Live and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick. You could also read Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss or any of the Babar stories by Jean de Brunhoff.

Documentaries bring the life of the elephant into our living rooms. Watch Elephant directed by Mark Linfield or When Elephants Were Young directed by Patricia Sims.

Use #ElephantAppreciationDay to post on social media.

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Alternating in August

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August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month                                                                  The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama 
– August 4 — Meghan Markle 
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong 
– August 6 — Lucille Ball 
– August 7 — Charlize Theron 
– August 9 — Whitney Houston 
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth 
– August 16 — Madonna 
– August 17 — Robert De Niro 
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant 
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.

Just Enjoy June

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Celebrating the Joys of Summer’s Kickoff

June bursts onto the scene as a month brimming with sunshine, longer days, and endless opportunities to celebrate.

As the official gateway to summer, June brings longer days, blooming gardens, and the perfect excuse to trade our busy schedules for a little bit of fun. While we often think of June for weddings and school letting out.  This month is packed with quirky holidays and heartfelt observances designed to help us savor the season. So, grab a glass of iced tea, put your feet up, and let’s dive into why this month deserves to be celebrated.

Wedding Season

Fun facts abound: June beetles make their appearance, and no other month starts on the same weekday as June in quite the same way. Flag Day honors patriotism in the U.S., while outdoor activities beckon everyone to get moving.

National Months in June encourage meaningful awareness alongside the fun.

National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month
National DJ Month                        
National Portuguese Heritage Month
African-American Music Appreciation Month
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
LGBTQIA Pride Month
Men’s Health Month
National Accordion Month
National Adopt a Cat Month
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month
National Candy Month
National Camping Month
National Caribbean American Month
National Country Cooking Month
National Dairy Month
National Great Outdoors Month
National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month
National Homeownership Month
National Iced Tea Month
National Papaya Month
National Pollinators Month
National PTSD Awareness Month
National Safety Month
National Soul Food Month
Rose Month
Turkey Lovers Month                
June’s Birthstone;Why the Pearl is the Ultimate Gem of Romance and Grace                                                         Hurricane Readiness

With something for everyone turn ordinary dates into mini-festivals. Try National Say Something Nice Day, National Go Barefoot Day. Don’t forget to include National Hug Your Cat Day, National Cheese Day, Flag Day on the 14th, and National Go Fishing Day on the 18th. From National Game Show Day to celebrations honoring ice cream, donuts, and more, there’s truly something for every interest and personality.

June shines for sports enthusiasts too, with NBA Finals, Stanley Cup playoffs, baseball in full swing, and the NBA Draft.

Famous June birthdays—from Marilyn Monroe and Paul McCartney to Michael Phelps and Elon Musk—add star power.

Zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer add a touch of curiosity and emotional depth, while birth flowers like the rose and honeysuckle, along with stones such as pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone, celebrate love, devotion, and generosity.

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This June, embrace the spirit of “Just Enjoy.” Whether you’re marking personal milestones, joining community events, or simply taking time to appreciate longer evenings and blooming gardens, the month offers countless ways to create memories. Gather with friends, try new recipes tied to food-themed days, explore nature, or reflect on what brings you joy. Here’s to making June unforgettable—happy celebrating!

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