Celebrating Love & Literature: A New Take on Valentine’s Day

When February 14th rolls around, our minds instantly go to Valentine’s Day—hearts, flowers, and a whole lot of pink and red. But did you know there’s another holiday on this day that might just steal your heart? International Book Giving Day. And honestly, while I do love a good Valentine’s celebration, International Book Giving Day holds a special place in my heart. Because while Valentine’s Day can be fun, it can also be a little, well, complicated. Not everyone loves it, and for plenty of reasons. But books? Books are for everyone. So why not bring the two together and turn your Valentine’s event into a celebration of love and literature?

Here’s the plan: Keep all the classic Valentine’s Day charm—decorations, candy, heart-shaped cookies, the works—but shift the focus to the love of books. This small tweak could boost engagement and make the event more inclusive for all your residents, whether they’re all about the romance or just looking for a great new read.

Ways to Celebrate International Book Giving Day

1. Host a Book Discussion
Invite residents to bring a book they love. It could be a childhood favorite, a novel that changed their perspective, or the last book they couldn’t put down. Create a cozy, café-style setting with comfy seating and warm drinks, and give everyone a chance to share why their chosen book is meaningful to them. Bonus points if someone brings a book that aligns with the Valentine’s theme—hello, Pride and Prejudice!

2. Blind Date with a Book
This one’s a crowd-pleaser. Have residents bring a book they’re ready to pass along, wrapped up with only a few descriptive words on the front—no titles allowed! Let participants choose a book based on the clues, making it a fun and mysterious way to discover a new read. You can organize the exchange as a drawing, a White Elephant-style swap, or just a free-for-all where people pick whatever piques their interest.

3. Community Book Swap
Want a low-key way to encourage book sharing? Set up a “take a book, leave a book” station in your common area. Residents can donate books they’ve enjoyed and pick up something new in return. It’s simple, sustainable, and keeps the love of reading alive all year long.

4. Little Free Library Kickoff
If your property has space, consider launching a Little Free Library—a designated spot where residents can donate and borrow books at any time. You can decorate it with a Valentine’s theme for February, then refresh it seasonally. It’s a small touch that can make a big impact on community engagement.

5. Storytime & Hot Cocoa Social
For families with kids (or just kids at heart), consider hosting a read-aloud session with classic love-themed stories. Pair it with a hot cocoa bar where guests can customize their drinks with whipped cream, sprinkles, and marshmallows. Cozy, nostalgic, and a great way to bring neighbors together.

These are just a few ideas to help you embrace both holidays and create an event that is festive, inclusive, and fun for all. By focusing on the love of books, you’ll open the door to meaningful conversations, new friendships, and of course, plenty of great reading material.

Which idea speaks to you the most? Let’s make this Valentine’s Day about connection—not just with each other, but with the stories that shape us.