May 1-31

Get Caught Reading Month

It's time to get caught reading! Join the movement and discover new books, authors, and genres during Get Caught Reading Month.

Yearly Date

May 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the joy of reading during Get Caught Reading Month, which takes place throughout the entire month of May! This observance was created by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) in 1999 to promote and encourage a love for reading among people of all ages. Whether you're a bookworm or just starting to discover the wonders of literature, there's no better time to curl up with a good book and get lost in its pages. So let's turn off our screens and pick up a book – because nothing beats getting caught in the magic of a great story.

Get Caught Reading Month Timeline

1999

Creation of Get Caught Reading

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) established Get Caught Reading Month to promote a passion for reading across all ages.

2001

Expanding Reach of Campaign

Educational and healthcare organizations started to implement this campaign, expanding its reach beyond the publishing industry.

2005

Celebrities Join the Cause

Celebrities began to participate by allowing themselves to be "caught" reading their favorite books, thus adding a new level of visibility and endorsement.

2010

National Recognition

Get Caught Reading Month gained national recognition as numerous states and cities officially declared May as a month dedicated to promoting the habit of reading.

2015

Get Caught Reading Goes Digital

The campaign embraced digital platforms, further extending its reach and promoting reading in new formats like E-books and audiobooks.

2020

Reading Amid the Pandemic

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Get Caught Reading Month saw a surge in participation, highlighting the value of reading as a comfort and escape during tough times.

How to Celebrate Get Caught Reading Month

1 Create a reading challenge

Challenge yourself or your friends to read a certain number of books during Get Caught Reading Month. Make it even more fun by setting up prizes for those who reach their reading goals.

2 Host a book club meeting

Gather some friends and have a book club meeting during Get Caught Reading Month. Choose a book to read together and then discuss your thoughts and opinions over some snacks and drinks.

3 Create a cozy reading nook

Make a special spot in your home dedicated to reading. Add some comfortable cushions, blankets, and string lights to create the perfect atmosphere for getting lost in a good book.

4 Participate in a reading challenge

Join a reading challenge during Get Caught Reading Month, such as the Goodreads Reading Challenge or the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge. These challenges provide fun prompts to diversify your reading and keep you motivated.

5 Donate books to a local library or school

Spread the love of reading by donating new or gently used books to a local library or school. This will not only make you feel good, but it will also help others discover the joy of reading during Get Caught Reading Month.

Why We Love Get Caught Reading Month

It promotes a love for reading

Get Caught Reading Month encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and get lost in a story. It's a great way to foster a love for reading, which has been proven to improve cognitive skills and increase imagination.

It's a fun challenge

The goal of Get Caught Reading Month is to catch someone in the act of reading. This adds an element of excitement and fun to the month as people try to surprise others or avoid being caught themselves. It also creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about books and authors.

It celebrates the joy of reading together

Reading can be a solitary activity, but it can also bring people together. During Get Caught Reading Month, families, friends, and colleagues are encouraged to participate in reading activities together. This promotes bonding and connection through storytelling.