Books have the power to educate, inspire, and transform lives. Every year, on 23rd April, the world comes together to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day. Initiated by UNESCO, this day highlights the importance of books and reading in our lives, while also recognizing the rights of authors through copyright protection.
Whether it's a classic novel, a children's storybook, or a digital publication, books open minds and bring people together across cultures and generations.
Why 23rd April? – The Historical Significance
The date 23rd April was chosen by UNESCO in 1995 because it marks the death anniversary of literary giants like:
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William Shakespeare (England)
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Miguel de Cervantes (Spain)
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Inca Garcilaso de la Vega (Peru)
This symbolic date in the world of literature makes it a fitting choice to honor books and authors worldwide.
Objectives of World Book and Copyright Day
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Promote Reading Habits among all age groups, especially children and youth.
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Encourage Respect for Intellectual Property and copyright laws.
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Support the Publishing Industry in keeping literature alive and accessible.
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Celebrate Cultural Diversity through storytelling and literature.
The Role of Books in Our Lives
Books are more than just printed pages — they are:
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Gateways to knowledge and education
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A source of imagination and creativity
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Tools for personal growth and mental well-being
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Bridges to history, culture, and empathy
In the digital age, books are available in multiple formats — from traditional paperbacks to eBooks and audiobooks — making reading more accessible than ever.
Why Copyright Matters
Copyright protects the creative work of authors, poets, illustrators, and publishers. It ensures they receive credit and compensation for their efforts, while encouraging the continuous creation of quality content. On this day, we also recognize the importance of respecting copyright laws and avoiding piracy or unauthorized use of creative works.
World Book Capital
Each year, UNESCO designates a World Book Capital to promote books and reading at the city level. The city organizes year-long events focused on literacy, libraries, author interactions, and book fairs. In 2024, the World Book Capital is Strasbourg, France.
How You Can Celebrate
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Read a Book – Discover a new author, genre, or language.
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Gift a Book – Share the joy of reading with friends and family.
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Organize Book Readings or Literary Events – Especially in schools, colleges, and libraries.
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Support Legal Book Platforms – Buy or download books from authorized sources.
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Write Something – Share your own stories, poems, or thoughts.
Conclusion
World Book and Copyright Day is not just about honoring authors or reading a novel — it's about celebrating human creativity, knowledge sharing, and freedom of expression. In a world full of distractions, reading remains one of the most powerful tools for change.
So, let’s pick up a book, support our authors, and keep the love of reading alive — not just on 23rd April, but every single day.
