World Book Day, usually celebrated on the 23rd of April by UNESCO and other related establishments, is an occasion to encourage the joy of books and the art of reading. Also known as World Book and Copyright Day, it pays tribute to great literary figures like William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes who died on this day.
Reason Behind This Day
Between the past and the future, a cultural link between books and generations is noted. The scope of books is endless, and World Book Day is celebrated for that very fact. It is a platform across the world for publishers, teachers, librarians, public and private institutions, humanitarian NGOs, and the mass media to come together to uphold literacy and help everyone to have access to educational resources.
This year, Sharjah in UAE has been confirmed as the World Book Capital. It will be followed by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the year 2020.
Theme of 2019
2019 marks the International Year of Indigenous Languages, led by UNESCO, to reiterate the commitment of the international community in supporting indigenous peoples to preserve their cultures, knowledge and rights. Therefore, this year highlights the distinct languages used by publications and language-specific reading audience, according to Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
On this day dedicated to book lovers, here are a few quotes that will inspire you to pick up a book and claim it as your best friend.
“A room without books is like a body without a soul.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.”― Groucho Marx
“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” ― Haruki Murakami
“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” ― John Green
“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” ― Ernest Hemingway
“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.” ― Cassandra Clare
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles W. Eliot
“In a good bookroom, you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.” ― Mark Twain
“Sleep is good, he said, and books are better.” ― George R. R. Martin
So which book will you pick up next?
