world
book and copyright day
World Book and
Copyright Day is celebrated annually on April 23 to promote the enjoyment of
books and reading. Celebrations take place around the world to raise awareness
of the magical power of books – a link between the past and the future, a
bridge between generations and cultures.
World Book is a
reason to celebrate the importance of reading, encourage children’s growth as
readers and promote a love of literature.
On this occasion,
UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three main sectors
of the book industry – publishers, booksellers and libraries – select a city as
World Book Capital to maintain the momentum of the day’s celebrations until
April 23 of the following year.
Proclaimed by
UNESCO’s General Conference in 1995, this symbolic date of world literature
coincides with the passing of writers William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes
and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
This day pays
tribute to books and authors and promotes access to reading for as many people
as possible. Transcending physical boundaries, the book represents one of the
most beautiful inventions for sharing ideas and embodies an effective tool for
fighting poverty and building sustainable peace.
By defending books
and copyright, UNESCO supports creativity, diversity and equal access to
knowledge, in particular through its Creative Cities of Literature Network, the
promotion of literacy, mobile learning and free access to scientific content
and educational resources. With the active participation of stakeholders –
authors, publishers, teachers, librarians, public and private institutions,
humanitarian NGOs, the media and any other stakeholder who feels involved in
this celebration – World Book and Copyright Day brings together millions of
people around the world.
