WORLD BOOK & COPYRIGHT DAY 23rd APRIL
World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the scope of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. On this occasion, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a year to maintain, through its own initiatives, the impetus of the Day’s celebrations.
23 April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. This date was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books.
SOURCE-World Book and Copyright Day | UNESCO
World Book and Copyright Day Theme 2025
History of World Book and Copyright Day
World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated annually on April 23rd, boasts a rich history intertwined with the evolution of book culture and the fight for author rights. Let’s embark on a literary voyage through its captivating past:
Seeds of Inspiration
- 1926: The roots lie in Catalonia, Spain, where April 23rd is traditionally honored as Saint George’s Day, a celebration marked by gifting roses and books. Author Vicente Clavel sees an opportunity to promote literature and proposes a “Book Day” on this date.
- 1930: After Cervantes’ death anniversary also falls on April 23rd, the day gains further significance and takes on an international dimension.
Germination of a Global Event
- 1952: UNESCO establishes itself as a champion of cultural heritage and recognizes the crucial role of books in education and understanding.
- 1990: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) joins the cause, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of authors and creators.
Blooming into the Book and Copyright Day
- 1995: UNESCO’s General Conference officially proclaims April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day, highlighting the dual purpose of celebrating books and advocating for author rights.
- Since then: This day has blossomed into a global phenomenon, observed in over 100 countries. Libraries, bookstores, schools, and communities organize diverse activities – readings, discussions, book drives, and author events – to foster a love for books and raise awareness about copyright protection.
A Celebration with a Cause
World Book and Copyright Day not only celebrates the magic of reading and the transformative power of stories but also addresses crucial issues:
- Promoting literacy and access to books for all: The day shines a light on populations with limited access to reading materials and encourages initiatives to bridge the gap.
- Highlighting the value of intellectual property: It emphasizes the importance of copyright protection in ensuring fair compensation for authors and encouraging the creation of new books.
- Celebrating diversity in literature: The day promotes the inclusion of different voices and perspectives, enriching the literary landscape and fostering cultural understanding.
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