NATIONAL DAYWRITING & MEDIA

National Biographer’s Day

National Biographer’s Day is a quiet argument for reading as an American pastime, practiced in a favorite chair.

MAY16

Sunday, May 16Every year on May 16

days to go

Roots: Commemorates the May 16, 1763 first meeting of Samuel Johnson and his biographer James Boswell; origins unknown
Vibe: A day of reflection on lives lived and stories shared
Also on May 16: Armed Forces Day · Check Your Wipers Day · Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
Hashtag: #NationalBiographer8217sDay

Add to my calendar Send a card Email a friend

Apple or Outlook calendar

Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Biographer’s Day.

Get your library card activated — or use the one you have.
Buy a book from a local independent bookstore.
Read out loud to someone — a kid, a partner, yourself.
Donate books you've loved but won't reread.
Ask three friends what they're reading this month.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Read aloud together, even for ten minutes.
Kids
Let them pick the book — the one they actually want, not the one you think they should read.
Couples
Trade books. Discuss afterward.
Office
Start a small book club or a shared reading channel.
School
Dedicate independent reading time and follow with a low-stakes share.
Community
Donate books to a local library, school, or Little Free Library.
Just me
Read the book you keep restarting. Finish a chapter tonight.

Plan ahead

National Biographer’s Day is observed on May 16 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, May 16this year

2027Sun, May 16

2028Tue, May 16

2029Wed, May 16

2030Thu, May 16

2031Fri, May 16

2032Sun, May 16

2033Mon, May 16

2034Tue, May 16

2035Wed, May 16

2036Fri, May 16

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Thousands of biographies are published each year.

Biographers often spend years researching their subjects

The story

Biographers play a crucial role in preserving history by documenting the lives of influential figures. Their meticulous research and storytelling skills transform raw facts into engaging narratives that resonate with readers. National Biographer's Day, celebrated on May 16, serves as a reminder of the dedication required to craft these compelling accounts, often over many years of commitment and passion.

Read the full story

The significance of biographies extends beyond mere storytelling; they offer insights into the complexities of human experience. From the triumphs to the struggles, a well-written biography can inspire and educate. This day encourages readers to explore the lives of notable individuals, those who have shaped culture, politics, and arts, and understand their contributions to society.

A biographer's craft requires a deep understanding of not only the subject but also the context of their lives. Biographies help us to connect with the past, providing a lens through which we can examine our present and future. They illuminate the paths taken by others, offering valuable lessons and inspiration.

As we celebrate National Biographer's Day, consider picking up a biography that intrigues you or even writing one of your own. Each life tells a story worth sharing, and by documenting these narratives, we contribute to the rich tapestry of human history. This day invites us to reflect on our own stories as well, considering how they might inspire future generations.

Did you know?

First Biography

The first known biography is attributed to Plutarch, a Greek historian, whose works date back to the first century AD.

Famous Biographers

Notable biographers include Robert Caro, known for his extensive work on Lyndon B. Johnson, and Walter Isaacson, who wrote about Steve Jobs.

Biographies in Pop Culture

Biographies have seen a resurgence in popular media, with many films and series based on the lives of notable figures.

Impact on Society

Studies show that reading biographies can enhance empathy and understanding, as readers connect with the experiences of others.

Digital Biographies

The rise of digital media has transformed biography writing, with many authors now publishing their works online or through self-publishing platforms.

Biographical Novels

Biographical novels, which blend fact and fiction, have gained popularity, offering creative interpretations of historical figures' lives.

Biographers' Challenges

Biographers often face challenges such as access to sources and the ethical implications of portraying someone's life story.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesBiographers in the U.S. have documented many prominent figures, from presidents to cultural icons, showcasing the diversity of American life.
GBUnited KingdomBritish biographers like David Starkey and Claire Tomalin have contributed significantly to understanding historical and contemporary figures.
FRFranceFrench biographers, such as André Gide, have explored the lives of artists and authors, revealing the intricate link between art and biography.
DEGermanyIn Germany, biographers like Richard von Weizsäcker delve into the lives of political leaders, providing insights into the nation's history.
JPJapanJapanese biographers often focus on cultural figures, reflecting the rich traditions and history of their society through individual stories.
BRBrazilIn Brazil, biographers highlight the lives of historical figures, contributing to a deeper understanding of the country's complex cultural landscape.