On February 5th, 2025, Dweck Auditorium in the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library was filled with the giggles of very excited students. On the stage, Scholastic author/illustrator Ross Burach (the celebrated mind behind The Very Impatient Caterpillar series) led 120 fourth and fifth graders through the process of drawing the titular character of the book he’d just read aloud. These students had traveled all the way from PS6x in the Bronx for a very special celebration of the 15th anniversary of World Read Aloud Day.
Photo by LitWorld Team
World Read Aloud Day was founded by LitWorld in 2010 to celebrate the incredible impact of reading aloud. Since then, it has grown into a global movement, engaging hundreds of millions of readers, writers, and listeners around the world each year. This year’s milestone anniversary boasted record participation, with more than 31 million celebrants across 99 countries.
While World Read Aloud Day has always been an opportunity to highlight the power of reading aloud to build literacy skills and share stories, this year we focused on its ability to unite communities.
In NYC, LitWorld was honored to partner with both the Brooklyn Public Library and Greenlight Bookstore to celebrate the essential role that third spaces like these play in ensuring everyone has access to diverse stories and a community with whom to share them.
The Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest public library systems, with more than 850,000 active members. Alongside New York City’s other two public library systems—the New York Public Library and the Queens Public Library—it forms one of the largest library networks in the world. Public libraries provide equitable access to books and information, laying the foundation for a citywide culture of reading. Similarly, bookstores like Greenlight serve as gateways to stories and storytelling, creating spaces where people can come together through books.
Photo by Katalina Studio
Photo by Katalina Studio
Photo by Katalina Studio
Photos by Katalina Studio
In addition to the read-alouds on World Read Aloud Day, the LitWorld team in New York City hosted a LitFest open to the community. Held in the children’s wing of the Brooklyn Public Library, the festival featured storytelling activities and games.
LitWorld also collaborated with Greenlight Bookstore to organize a series of author readings, spotlighting Jessica Goodman, Katie Yamasaki, Brian Floca, and Caron Levis.
Photo by Katalina Studio
As we reflect on this year’s celebration, one thing is clear: the simple act of reading aloud continues to transcend barriers and build connections. Whether in classrooms, libraries, bookstores, or living rooms, sharing stories aloud reminds us of our shared humanity and the joy of coming together.
Here's to 15 years of World Read Aloud Day—and to many more years of fostering literacy, creativity, and community around the globe. Thank you for celebrating with us!
Photo by Katalina Studio