In 1919, at the urging of Franklin K. Mathiews, Librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, Book Week was introduced to focus attention on the need for quality children's books and the importance of childhood literacy. In 1944-1945, Frederick Melcher, then Editor of Publishers Weekly, entrusted the responsibility for Book Week to the newly established Association of Children's Book Editors. As this group expanded Book Week activities, it also evolved into what is now known as the Children's Book Council. Children's Book Week continues to be celebrated each November in schools, libraries, bookstores, and homes across the country.
Young People's Poetry Week, an annual event begun in 1999, highlights poetry for children and young adults and encourages everyone to celebrate poetry by reading, enjoying, and writing it. The CBC sponsors Young People's Poetry Week each April and collaborates on promotional efforts with the Academy of American Poets, sponsors of National Poetry Month.
Over the past fifty years, the CBC's work has expanded to include programming pertinent to all professionals working with children and children's books. The CBC has fostered productive relationships with other national organizations, including co-sponsoring several bibliographic projects of use to booksellers, teachers, librarians, and parents. The CBC also sponsors and co-sponsors educational programs for children's literature professionals.