New Delhi: National Reading Day is celebrated every year on June 19 in honour of P.N. Panicker, the father of the Library Movement in Kerala. His tireless efforts to promote reading and literacy laid the foundation for a culture that values books and learning. As we celebrate National Reading Day 2025, it’s more than just a day to remember a visionary — it’s a moment to ignite the love of reading in young minds and reinforce the importance of books in our daily lives.

This day is widely observed in schools, colleges, and libraries across India with activities that engage students and spread awareness about the value of reading. From inspirational speeches and quote sharing to creative poster-making and drawing competitions, each activity offers a chance for learners to express how books have impacted their lives. Here is a collection of posters, drawing ideas, speeches, and quotes to share the joy of reading and inspire many with motivation.

National Reading Day quotes

1. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” — George R.R. Martin
2. “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” — Jim Rohn
3. “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” — Margaret Fuller
4. “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” — Mason Cooley
5. “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” — Stephen King
6. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass
7. “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” — Joseph Addison
8. “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” — Ernest Hemingway
9. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr Seuss

National Reading Day 2025 posters

National Reading Day speech

1. Good morning, everyone,
   Today we celebrate National Reading Day — a day that reminds us of the magic hidden in books. Reading is not just a hobby; it’s a powerful tool that helps us grow mentally, emotionally, and intellectually. It introduces us to new ideas, cultures, and experiences we may never encounter in real life. A good book can become a best friend, a teacher, or a travel companion. In a world full of distractions, books offer peace, focus, and deep learning. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, reading improves vocabulary, builds imagination, and sharpens thinking. Let’s take a pledge today to read more — even if it’s just a few pages every day. Encourage your friends and family to read, visit libraries, and discover the joy that books bring. Let us all make reading not just a habit, but a way of life. Happy National Reading Day!

2. Respected teachers and friends,
   On this National Reading Day, let’s reflect on how reading shapes great minds. History has shown us that leaders like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, and even global icons like Barack Obama were avid readers. What made them stand out? Their ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, and learn constantly — all nurtured through books. Reading opens the door to knowledge and vision. It builds discipline, focus, and creativity. In today’s world, where quick scrolling has replaced deep thinking, reading a book helps us slow down and think critically. Leaders are not born; they are made, and books play a huge role in that journey. So, whether you read biographies, science fiction, or poetry, read with purpose. Make time every day to learn something new through books. Let’s cultivate the habit of reading and build the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you!

3. Good morning, everyone,
   Books are truly the best companions we can have. They don’t demand anything from us but give us so much in return — wisdom, joy, and peace. On National Reading Day, let’s honour this beautiful bond. Unlike electronic devices, books do not distract us with notifications. They keep us focused, relaxed, and engaged. When we feel lonely, a good story can comfort us. When we need answers, a book can guide us. Whether you read fantasy, adventure, history, or science, every book enriches your understanding of the world. And the best part is — books are always there for us. They never judge, never complain, and always inspire. So today, I urge each of you to find a book you love and start reading. Make it a habit to carry a book with you, just like you carry your phone. Let books be your lifelong friends. Happy Reading Day!

National Reading Day 2025 drawings

Let National Reading Day 2025 be a reminder that reading is not only about literacy — it’s about imagination, curiosity, empathy, and empowerment. Let’s encourage children and adults alike to discover the world through the pages of a book, one story at a time.