National Talk Like Shakespeare Day
National Talk Like Shakespeare Day is a quiet argument for reading as an American pastime, practiced in a favorite chair.
Why it matters
April 23 is the traditional birthday (and the deathday, 52 years apart) of William Shakespeare — the most quoted writer in the English language. Talk Like Shakespeare Day, proclaimed in 2009 by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, is a playful invitation to dust off iambic pentameter and let ‘thee,’ ‘thou,’ ‘wherefore,’ and ‘forsooth’ back into your sentences for a day.
How to celebrate
Small, doable ways to celebrate National Talk Like Shakespeare 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.
Celebration ideas by audience
For families
Read aloud together, even for ten minutes.
For kids
Let them pick the book — the one they actually want, not the one you think they should read.
For couples
Trade books. Discuss afterward.
At the office
Start a small book club or a shared reading channel.
At school
Dedicate independent reading time and follow with a low-stakes share.
In your community
Donate books to a local library, school, or Little Free Library.
On your own
Read the book you keep restarting. Finish a chapter tonight.