Photos That'll Make You Fall In Love With Books

Lovers of literature, tonight is your night. Every year on April 23, Shakespeare's birthday, passionate readers around the globe gather for World Book Night to celebrate the joys of reading and spread their love of words. And what a celebration it is! Participating libraries, bookstores, and other book abodes worldwide host festivities, author readings, and writing workshops, and most importantly, dole out free books.

The book titles given out each year are specially selected by a panel of librarians and booksellers and are typically targeted at light or non-readers, many with limited access to books, to encourage a newfound passion. Generous books authors waive their royalties and publishers fund the production costs to help spread the love.

This year’s honorary U.S. World Book Night chairperson is the amazing Amy Poehler. “In today's digital world, it's more important than ever to know how it feels to have a good book in your hands,” Poehler says on the World Book Night U.S. website. “People who read are people who dream, and we connect through the stories we live and tell and read.” Well said, Amy.

So, in celebration of this fabulous day, here are gorgeous photos that remind us why it is we love books. (Like we needed a reminder.)

Images: Stocksy