November 4, 2026
I READ CANADIAN DAY
I Read Canadian Day is a national celebration of Canadian books for young people, with the goal of elevating the genre and celebrating the breadth and diversity of these books. This year’s day to celebrate is November 4, 2026. We encourage schools, libraries and bookstores to invite a local author to your school, library or store to celebrate the day. Use this day to spotlight our Canadian authors, their books and what a great day to buy a Canadian book. Mark your calendars!
WHEN: November 4, 2026
New for 2026!
Inspired by World Read Aloud Day, Canadian authors and illustrators are volunteering short virtual readings of their books to students on I Read Canadian Day, November 4, 2026.
What To Expect:
Readings will last 15–20 minutes and will generally flow as follows:
- 1–2 Minutes: Book creator introduces themself and their book(s)
- 3–5 Minutes: Book creator reads picture book or excerpt from a novel
- 5–10 Minutes: Book creator answers questions from students
- 1–2 Minutes: Book creator recommends books by other Canadians
Want to participate?
Educators and school library professionals can learn more here.
Canadian authors and illustrators can learn more here.
Don’t forget to submit your email to receive the author schedule when it is available.
Wider community participation in I Read Canadian Day is always welcome! You can support Canadian book creators by:
- Reading a Canadian book out loud for fifteen minutes on I Read Canadian Day
- Shopping at your local indie bookstore
- Posting about your favourite Canadian books on social media (use the hashtag #IReadCanadian)
- Inviting Canadian creators to your schools/organizations for in-person programs (full programs are not included in this initiative and are subject to individual creator’s appearance fees)
For more information:
- Email us at IRCbookcreators@gmail.com
Remember, you can help promote reading Canadian all year round. Buy or borrow Canadian books. Share I Read Canadian Day with your colleagues, schools, teachers, librarians, friends, family, and bookstores. Include a link in your email signature. Tag #IReadCanadianDay in your posts and reposts. It’s a Canada-wide party and everyone is invited. Help spread the word!
I Read Canadian Day was launched in 2020 to bring attention to Canadian books. It began as a collaboration between the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC); children’s author Eric Walters; CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers); and the Ontario Library Association (OLA.) In 2025, OLA assumed ownership of the programming, and in 2026 a group of volunteer book creators partnered with them to spearhead the free virtual reading initiative.