16 Years of World Read Aloud Day in 2026!
As with most things LitWorld, the idea for LitWorld’s signature annual advocacy day came from a child. After a special read-aloud with his class, one student asked, “Why can’t we create a birthday party for the read-aloud?” And so we did!
On February 4th, 2026, we will “Celebrate Learning”, recognizing the read-aloud as a vehicle for learning.
LitWorld founded World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) in 2010 to celebrate the power of reading aloud to create community and amplify new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right. Since then, WRAD has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers, and listeners from across the world coming together to honor the joy and power of reading and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy.
Every year, World Read Aloud Day has been one of the top trending hashtags on Twitter, celebrated by millions of people in over 170 countries. From celebrities to students, WRAD brings us together as a global community of readers.
WRAD 2026 Theme: Celebrate Learning
Reading aloud is a joyful act of storytelling and a powerful catalyst for growth. When we read aloud, we ignite pathways in the brain that shape literacy, language, and our behavioral development.
Whether we are reading fairytales or biographies, every story becomes a building block for lifelong learning. This World Read Aloud Day, we invite you to share stories of both imagination and non fiction- stories that deepen knowledge, connect us to history, and inspire brighter futures for ourselves and for us all! Celebrate learning with us on World Read Aloud Day- February 4th, 2026!
Plan Your WRAD Celebrations!
Check out our WRAD Activity Hub for helpful information, classroom guides, SWAG, and more!
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World Read Aloud Day on Social
Celebrate #WorldReadAloudDay today with a MAMA you love! @LitWorldSays https://t.co/NXm8gjy6Ys pic.twitter.com/ePtNMyyzK5
— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) February 1, 2018
So excited it's #WorldReadAloudDay with our friends @litworldsays & @Scholastic leading the way! Perfect day to get a TASTE of the @storylineonline library with my read alouds en Español y English - LOS ZOMBIS NO COMEN VERDURAS! 🧟♀️🧟🥦🥬 https://t.co/Wg1kFUnRoH
— Jaime Camil (@jaimecamil) February 3, 2021
Reading aloud with Charlotte & Aidan is one of my greatest joys & a favorite part of each day. Last night it was lots of @The_Pigeon & @OlivierDunrea stories! #WorldReadAloudDay
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) February 1, 2018
Today is World Read Aloud Day and we are asking everyone to read to A CHILD. Join http://t.co/FGRH3wuWhO on their global mission.
— Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) March 6, 2013
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