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World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated every year on April 23 to promote the love of books and encourage reading around the world.
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries
World Book And Copyright Day 2025: World Book and Copyright Day is an annual global event dedicated to celebrating the books and reading. Held every year on April 23, it recognises books as powerful tools that connect generations, preserve history and bridge cultures across the world.
On this day, the three major stakeholders in the book industry — publishers, booksellers and libraries — come together and organise various events to promote book reading. They also select the World Book Capital for a year to maintain through their own initiatives, according to the UNESCO.
World Book And Copyright Day 2025 Theme
The theme for World Book And Copyright Day 2025 is ‘The role of literature in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).’ The theme focuses on the vital role of literature in advancing the SDGs. It emphasises how literature can inspire action and awareness across key global issues such as poverty, hunger, inequality, and more.
World Book and Copyright Day HistoryÂ
The day was formally established by UNESCO during its General Conference in Paris in 1995, in recognition of the profound influence books and authors have on individuals and societies.
April 23 was chosen as the date for this celebration because it marks the death anniversaries of several literary legends, including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, according to the UNESCO website. In many places, exchanging books as gifts has also become a beloved tradition associated with this day.
The first World Book and Copyright Day was celebrated onApril 23, 1996, in Barcelona.
World Book and Copyright Day Significance
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries and serves as a meaningful reminder of the value of books and the written word. It encourages young people to explore the world of literature, nurtures the creativity of future writers and promotes the importance of reading in personal and academic spheres.
How to Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day
- Dive into a Good Book: One of the most common ways to celebrate this day is by simply reading. Whether you’re cracking open a brand-new novel or revisiting a cherished classic, reading offers a chance to escape, explore new worlds, and gain fresh perspectives. Reading aloud to children adds a personal touch, nurturing their imagination and planting the seeds of a lifelong reading habit. You can also consider joining a book club to discuss stories, share opinions and discover new titles through conversations with other members.
- Support Authors and Independent Publishers: Give back to the literary community by supporting authors and local bookstores. Purchasing books from independent sellers helps sustain diverse voices and community-driven businesses. You might also attend author signings, literary festivals, or online book events to learn more about writers’ journeys and inspirations. Donating your old books to libraries, schools, or reading circles is another meaningful way to spread the joy of reading, especially to those who may not have easy access to books.
- Promote Literacy in Creative Ways:Â Celebrate the magic of books through art and interaction. Decorate your space or classroom with quotes or visuals from your favourite stories. Organise a reading challenge for your friends, students, or family to inspire consistent and fun engagement with books. Hosting a virtual book chat or sharing thoughtful reviews on social media platforms can also help build a wider community of readers and spark engaging discussions.
- Raise Awareness About Copyright: Use the day to learn about and promote the importance of copyright in protecting creative works. Understanding how these laws function helps readers respect intellectual property and supports the rights of authors, illustrators and publishers. If you’re a creator, consider using Creative Commons licences to share your work while allowing others to engage with it responsibly. Engaging in discussions around copyright can also help promote fair use and encourage innovation within legal boundaries.
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