Little is known on the origin of National Letter Writing Day. There is one theory that it came from Japan, which has a Letter Writing Week, and also a monthly Letter Writing Day, the 23rd of every month. In the United States we have a Letter Writing Day, December 7. 

Readng someone's correspondence gives you a unique and intimate look into their personal lives. If you're curious about the letter writing of a famous person, you can use the person's name in a subject search in our online catalog and include the word "correspondence." For example, in the case of Jane Austen, you'd find the book Jane Austen's Letters (PR4036 .A4 1995). If you're interested in a period of American history and want to view primary sources, (letters, diaries, postcards), search "United States" and "correspondence." We have many letters of soldiers during the wars - particularly the Civil War.

A new book that we have on women's letter writing is Dear Kamala: women write to the new Vice President (ebook). In this book, girl scouts write about their fears for a future with climate change, a business owner in Harlem gives advice about the need for investment in inner cities, and civil rights activists share stories, struggles, and successes.