25th March - Tolkien Reading Day: A time to celebrate reading J.R.R. Tolkien's books!

In 2012 the Tolkien Society invites you to join in celebrating the 75th anniversary to the publication of The Hobbit. The purpose of Tolkien Reading Day is to invite everyone to discover and enjoy the books written by J.R.R. Tolkien through talking about them and through activities associated with them.

This year our Tolkien Reading Day topic is "75 Years of The Hobbit", and a set of online resources have been created with ideas and suggestions to help you enjoy this book. The pages on The Hobbit have 2 'overviews' (The story of The Hobbit in brief and a Chapter-by-Chapter summary) which offer summaries of different lengths if you are new to the story, breakdown lists of the main themes, characters, and places in the story. And there are suggestions for all ages, and include questions for quizzes (and understanding the story), and activities using the book. The emphasis is on enjoying the story. The Pack is not a comprehensive Study Aid. Pick and choose to suit your interests, and share your thoughts about the story with friends, family, teachers, students. The resources are divided into sections: For smaller children (or anyone not yet familiar with the story); For older children and those more familiar; Other things to do, and More fun on Reading Day. They include The Hobbit overview, Playing in Middle-earth and Runes for more ideas. The online resources can be supplied in hard copy by contacting the TS Education Officer

Schools and libraries can contact the Society for copies of these education packs, bookmarks and posters. Members of the public, libraries, or reading groups wishing to hold an event near to rather than on the 25th can contact the Society for free posters to help with publicising their event. e-mail publicity AT tolkiensociety DOT org

Launched in 2003 Tolkien Reading Day event has sparked interest in reading and reading groups across several nations and ages, from primary schoolchildren to university students and library users of all ages. 25th March has significance to Tolkien's readers, as it is the day of the Downfall of Sauron at the conclusion of the 'War of the Ring' in The Lord of the Rings.