World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day, is celebrated annually on April 23rd across the globe. The aim of this day is to highlight the importance of books, promote reading habits, provide a common platform for authors, publishers, and readers, and spread awareness about copyright laws.
📜History of World Book and Copyright Day
The history of this Day is rooted in love for literature, the legacy of knowledge, and respect for the rights of authors. The foundation of this day is linked to Spain in the 1920s.
- 📚The Initial Idea
- The concept of this special day was first proposed in 1922 by Vicente Clavel Andrés, a passionate publisher from Barcelona, Spain. His goal was to celebrate a day in honor of the great Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes and to promote book sales.
- The first celebration took place on October 7, 1926, on Cervantes’ birthday. However, it was later moved permanently to April 23rd, the date of his death.
- 📖UNESCO’s Official Recognition
- In 1995, UNESCO officially declared April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day. This date was chosen because it marks the death anniversaries of literary giants like Miguel de Cervantes (Spanish author), William Shakespeare (English playwright), and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
- This day not only honors literature but also inspires the protection of intellectual property rights of authors.
🌍Global Significance of World Book Day
This is not just a celebration but a movement that connects people to literature, education, and creativity.
Even in today’s digital age, this day holds special importance in emphasizing the continued relevance of books.
- Books act as bridges of thought — this day also promotes dialogue between diverse cultures.
📖The Concept of ‘World Book Capital’
Every year, UNESCO declares one city as the World Book Capital, which organizes book-related and reading-promotion programs throughout the year.
- World Book Capital 2024: Strasbourg, France
- First Capital of this event: Madrid, 2001
- World Book Capital 2025: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- This initiative aims to spread book culture globally.
- The selection committee includes UNESCO, international publishers, library associations, author forums, and bookseller federations.
📚 How World Book Day is Celebrated Across Different Countries
- India: In India, this day is celebrated in schools, colleges, libraries, and literary institutions with activities like:
- Book exhibitions
- Author-reader interactions
- Book donation drives
- Essay writing and poetry recitations
- Reading competitions
- UK and Ireland:
- Here, the day is celebrated as World Book Day on the first Thursday of March, focusing on children’s literature and book tokens.
- On April 23rd, World Book Night is celebrated to encourage adult reading.
- Sweden: Known as “Världsbokdagen”, the date is sometimes adjusted to avoid clashes with Easter.
- United States: In Kensington, Maryland, a street festival called the International Day of the Book is held on the Sunday closest to April 23.
- Spain and Catalonia: Celebrated alongside Sant Jordi’s Day, following the tradition where men gift roses to women, and women gift books to men. It is popularly known there as The Day of Books and Roses.
🌟 Social and Educational Impact of World Book Day
- Encourages reading habits among children and youth
- Fosters knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking
- Reinforces the importance of books in the digital age
- Promotes exchange of ideas, tolerance, and diversity in society
Also Read:
- Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary 2025: Biography and Legacy
- World Hindi Day 2025: History, Objective and Global Status
