WORLD BOOK & COPYRIGHT DAY 23rd APRIL
World Book and Copyright Day is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the scope of books - a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. On this occasion, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a year to maintain, through its own initiatives, the impetus of the Day’s celebrations.
23 April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. This date was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books.
SOURCE-World Book and Copyright Day | UNESCO
World Book and Copyright Day Theme 2024
The official theme for World Book and Copyright Day 2024 is “Read Your Way”. This theme emphasizes the importance of choice and enjoyment in fostering a love of reading.
History of World Book and Copyright Day
World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated annually on April 23rd, boasts a rich history intertwined with the evolution of book culture and the fight for author rights. Let’s embark on a literary voyage through its captivating past:
Seeds of Inspiration
- 1926: The roots lie in Catalonia, Spain, where April 23rd is traditionally honored as Saint George’s Day, a celebration marked by gifting roses and books. Author Vicente Clavel sees an opportunity to promote literature and proposes a “Book Day” on this date.
- 1930: After Cervantes’ death anniversary also falls on April 23rd, the day gains further significance and takes on an international dimension.
Germination of a Global Event
- 1952: UNESCO establishes itself as a champion of cultural heritage and recognizes the crucial role of books in education and understanding.
- 1990: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) joins the cause, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of authors and creators.
Blooming into the Book and Copyright Day
- 1995: UNESCO’s General Conference officially proclaims April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day, highlighting the dual purpose of celebrating books and advocating for author rights.
- Since then: This day has blossomed into a global phenomenon, observed in over 100 countries. Libraries, bookstores, schools, and communities organize diverse activities – readings, discussions, book drives, and author events – to foster a love for books and raise awareness about copyright protection.
A Celebration with a Cause
World Book and Copyright Day not only celebrates the magic of reading and the transformative power of stories but also addresses crucial issues:
- Promoting literacy and access to books for all: The day shines a light on populations with limited access to reading materials and encourages initiatives to bridge the gap.
- Highlighting the value of intellectual property: It emphasizes the importance of copyright protection in ensuring fair compensation for authors and encouraging the creation of new books.
- Celebrating diversity in literature: The day promotes the inclusion of different voices and perspectives, enriching the literary landscape and fostering cultural understanding.
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