World Book Day Countdown 2025
World Book Day - April 23rd
World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day, is an annual event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. It is celebrated on 23 April each year, a date chosen because it is the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
Promoting Reading and Literacy
The primary goal of World Book Day is to encourage everyone, especially young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and to recognize the scope of books – as a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. UNESCO aims to foster a culture of reading and to highlight the importance of books in education, cultural enrichment, and the development of a knowledge-based society.
Global Celebrations and Initiatives
On April 23rd, various events and activities are organized worldwide to celebrate World Book Day. These include book fairs, author readings, library programs, and initiatives to promote access to books. Many schools and organizations encourage children and adults to dress up as their favorite book characters. UNESCO also designates a World Book Capital for a one-year period to maintain the impetus of the Day's initiatives.
The Importance of Copyright
World Book and Copyright Day also emphasizes the importance of copyright in protecting the rights of authors, illustrators, and publishers. Copyright laws help to ensure that creators can be rewarded for their work, encouraging creativity and innovation in the literary and publishing fields.