World Book and Copyright Day
April 23 All day
World Book and Copyright Day, designated by UNESCO, is celebrated every year on April 23 to promote reading, publishing, and copyright protection. The day honors the power of books as bridges between generations and cultures and recognizes the invaluable contributions of authors to social and cultural progress.
Why April 23?
The date is symbolic, marking the deaths in 1616 of literary giants:
- William Shakespeare
- Miguel de Cervantes
- Inca Garcilaso de la Vega
It is also associated with the birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, Vladimir Nabokov, and Josep Pla.
Purpose of the Day
World Book and Copyright Day encourages:
- Discovering the pleasure of reading, particularly among young people
- Respecting authors and their contributions to knowledge and culture
- Promoting literacy, publishing, and intellectual property rights
World Book Capital
Each year, UNESCO and international organizations representing publishers, booksellers, and libraries select a city as the World Book Capital. The chosen city carries the mandate of organizing celebrations and initiatives until the following April 23, fostering global engagement with books and reading. World Book and Copyright Day is a reminder that books connect humanity across time and space, preserving knowledge, culture, and imagination for future generations.