“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” – Dr. Seuss
Each year since 1995, the 23rd of April has been celebrated as World Book and Copyright Day. On this day which is also known as World Book Day, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organizes events to promote reading, publishing, and copyright.
It is an occasion to appreciate books and writers, encourage reading for pleasure, and call on people to support their neighbourhood bookstores and libraries. It’s also an ideal opportunity to spread knowledge about the value of copyright protection and how crucial it is to the long-term viability of the publishing sector.
Here are some fun facts that you shouldn’t miss about World Book and Copyright Day
1. 23rd April marks the death anniversary of renowned writers including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
2. Every year, UNESCO selects a World Book Capital, a city that promotes books and reading.
3. For the year 2023, Accra, Ghana is been nominated as the World Book Capital
4. The first city to be bestowed with the title of the “World Book Capital” was Madrid.
5. The concept for World Book Day was originally commemorated as the Day of the Book and the Rose in Catalonia, Spain, in 1923.
6. In some countries, World Book Day is celebrated on a different date. For example, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is celebrated on the first Thursday in March.
7. UNESCO’s theme for World Book and Copyright Day 2023 is Indigenous Languages.
Significance of World Book and Copyright Day
World Book and Copyright Day is a significant day that encourages consciousness regarding the value of reading, books, and copyright protection globally.
Promoting literacy and inspiring people to read more is one of World Book Day’s primary objectives. Increasing access to education and raising literacy rates are two things that may be accomplished by promoting reading, both of which have favorable effects on society. Additionally, reading offers an array of benefits for the individual reader, such as enhancing cognitive function, lowering stress levels, and fostering empathy.
The contributions of writers and publishers to our cultural legacy are also honored on World Book Day. Books offer a window into many cultures, viewpoints, and experiences, and they aid in forming our conception of the world. By supporting writers and publishers, we can make sure that their voices are heard and that everyone has access to their works.
The promotion of copyright protection is another important component of World Book Day. The protection of creative works and appropriate compensation for writers and publishers are made possible by copyright laws. By upholding copyright rules, we can support a viable publishing sector and make sure that fresh, original works are consistently created.
The significance of World Book and Copyright Day lies in its promotion of reading, recognition of the efforts of writers and publishers, and emphasis on the necessity of copyright protection. We can encourage education, empathy, and cultural understanding by valuing books and reading, as well as by ensuring that artistic creations are preserved for future generations.
Here are some fun activities that you can take up on this day
1. Buy a book or read that book you’ve bought but haven’t had the chance to read.
2. Start a reading challenge with your friends and see who can read the most books within a limited period.
3. Challenge yourself to finish a certain number of books every month.
4. Donate books to foundations, charities, or orphanages.
5. Get yourself enrolled in a book club to add to your reading experience.
6. Attend a book fair or a writing workshop.
7. Register yourself to be part of an author event that may be organized near you on World Book and Copyright Day.
