Bob Minzesheimer

USA TODAY

Actress and comedian Amy Poehler has been named the honorary chairperson for this year's World Book Night literary giveaway.

"I grew up loving books," Poehler, 42, who's best known for her roles on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation, said in a statement. " In today's digital world, it's more important than ever to know how it feels to have a good book in your hands. I'm thrilled to be part of World Book Night. People who read are people who dream, and we connect through the stories we live and tell and read."

The third annual World Book Night U.S., to be held April 23, is organized by a coalition of publishers, booksellers and librarians. They will enlist 25,000 volunteers who give away a total of 500,000 books – mostly aimed at areas and groups where books are not that prevalent.

World Book Night Executive Director Carl Lennertz said: "This news is the icing, cherry and candles on the year three WBN cake. We've already announced a seven-author New York Public Library launch event, our highest percentage of free books going to teachers and students in underfunded schools, and a record number of participating librarians and booksellers, and Amy Poehler joining our cause is a happy, happy event. On behalf of our 25,000 volunteer givers and 500,000 book recipients this coming April 23, we say thank you."

Each year, the organizers select a broad range of titles to give away – in specially printed paperback editions. This year's list includes Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point, Joseph Heller's Catch-22 and Carl Hiaasen's Hoot, as well as Solomon Northup's 12 Years a Slave, made popular by the Oscar-winning movie.