not all book burnings took place on 10 may as the german student union had planned. some were postponed a few days because of rain. others, based on local chapter preference, took place on 21 june, the summer solstice, a traditional date of celebration. nonetheless, in 34 university towns across germany the "action against the un-german spirit" was a success, enlisting widespread newspaper coverage. and in some places, notably berlin, radio broadcasts brought the speeches, songs, and ceremonial incantations "live" to countless german listeners.