World Book Night 2012 has a goal of handing out 1 million free books to underserved communities on April 23, and it still needs volunteers to participate as "givers."
Each giver will deliver 20 copies of a book chosen from a list of 30 by the World Book Night organization. Anyone can apply to be a giver, but the application process closes on Feb. 1. Those who are chosen will be notified by the end of February.
According to the organization's website, World Book Night began last year in the UK and was so successful that it has expanded to the United States and Ireland. The date for distributing the books is the UNESCO International Day of the Book in honor of Shakespeare and Cervantes, who both died on April 23, 1616. Shakespeare was born on April 23 as well.
"The goal is to give books to new readers, to encourage reading, to share your passion for a great book," the website states. "The entire publishing, bookstore, library, author, printing, and paper community is behind this effort with donated services and time."
The 30 titles that will be distributed in batches of 20 include: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou; "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving; and "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins.
