Christian Book Month

In 2023, Good Book Mom established Christian Book Month in a two-fold effort. First, to encourage Christians to take the month of April to read something by a Christian author. Whether fiction or non-fiction, the number of solid titles available to believers is vast, and while many do regularly read works by Christian authors, there is a considerable number who do not. Christian Book Month is an opportunity for individuals, families, friends, small groups, churches, and more to make an effort to read a supplemental book to support Christian authors and publishers, to strengthen their faith, or simply for enjoyment.

Second, this month is to encourage Christians to be present in their public libraries. While some may feel their library is not a welcoming place for believers, Christian Book Month is also to motivate Christians to make connections with the people in their local library, to request solid Christian titles for their library to own, and to check out titles from their library that they wish to see stay on the shelves. It’s a simple act, but if believers were more active in their own local libraries, respectfully- but in greater numbers- voicing their desires as patrons, the impact would be profound.

Why the month of April?

Because this is the month Easter usually occurs, it seemed a fitting month.

The Bible is the ultimate Christian Book, why did you not choose Bible Reading Month instead?

Good Book Mom believes the Bible is the Word of God and our ultimate authority as Christians. Because the importance of Scripture far outweighs any other book, Bible reading should be a daily occurrence. We know that every solid Christian title is a supplement to Bible reading and while much can be learned from good Christian books, they too must fall under the authority of Scripture. Christian Book Month is to help believers see that there are many great books to encourage them in their Christian walk as well as to enjoy. We agree with Spurgeon when he said, “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”

Should I ask my library to set up a Christian Book Month display?

While this sounds like a great idea, this would not be encouraged in most circumstances. The exception to the rule would be if you are blessed to have a Biblically solid, Christian librarian who knows how to sift through the many books that are in the “Christian” category that are actually written by false teachers or that are not Biblically sound. For this reason, we would instead simply encourage believers to request solid Christian titles, both fiction and non-fiction, for your library to purchase and then check them out!

I’ve never requested my library purchase a book. How do I do that?

While not every library takes patron requests, the majority do. Many even have an option right on their website for “Suggest a Title” or something similar. Take a look at your library’s website and if you can’t find this option, call or stop in and ask how to request a title for your library to own.

Why does checking out good books from the library matter?

Each library only has a certain amount of shelf space. To decide which books the library keeps, they record how many times each book is checked out. The more a book is checked out, the higher chance it has to stay in circulation.

What book should I read or recommend for my library to purchase? 

Good Book Mom has made a few lists for all ages so you and your family can read great Christian titles in the month of April- or anytime!

How can I help spread the word about Christian Book Month?

Here are some simple ways:

• Get a group of friends together, maybe including a believer who doesn’t often read outside scripture, and read something together!
• Ask your pastor to recommend a supplemental title for your church to read during April for Christian Book Month.
• Request your library to purchase some Christian titles and invite some of your Christian friends to do the same.
• Go to your local library and check out books you’d like to see stay on the shelf, even if you won’t read them! Checkouts are life to library books.
• Make a social media post at the beginning of April, sharing what books you’ll be reading or requesting to celebrate Christian Book Month, and ask others to do the same. Feel free to share this webpage to help explain for those who have more questions.
• Ask your favorite Christian publisher, author, illustrator, podcast, organization, or social media account if they will also help spread the word!