World Book and Copyright Day (23 April) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

World Book and Copyright Day Quick Facts

World Book and Copyright Day Brief

World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated every year on 23rd April all over the world. This year the city of Athens, the capital of Greece, has been chosen as the World Book Capital. Each year, the 'World Book Capital' is selected for a period of one year by UNESCO and international organizations representing 3 major book industry sectors- publishers, booksellers and libraries. This period is effective from 23 April.

World Book and Copyright Day History

In the year 1995, at the General Assembly of UNESCO held in Paris, it was decided to celebrate 23 April as 'World Book and Copyright Day'. Since then this day is being celebrated every year. April 23 is a symbolic date in world literature. In the year 1616, on 23 April, the writers William Shakespeare, Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso died.

World Book and Copyright Day Objective

The Purpose of celebrating this day is to recognize the power of books to improve life. Generally, it is celebrated by the writer, painter to encourage reading among the common people. It is a world class festival for further reading of books and is celebrated in more than 100 countries.

World Book and Copyright Day Theme(s)

• The Theme of World Book Day 2020 is 'Read… So you never feel alone. '
• The Theme of World Book Day 2020 was “Read, so you never feel low”
• The Theme of World Book Day 2021 was "Books have the unique ability both to entertain and to teach"
• The Theme of World Book Day 2019 was “Share a Story”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2018 was “Reading, it’s my right”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2015 was “Read the World”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2014 was “Be Smart-Read Books!”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2013 was “reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.”
• The Theme of World Book Day 2012 was “Books and Translations”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2011 was “Evolution of Book Production, from Writing to Digital”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2010 was “International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2009 was “Development of Quality Education and the Link between Publishing and Human Rights”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2008 was “International Year of Languages”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2007 was “Reading is the Key”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2006 was “Literacy Changes Lives”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2005 was “Reading is Forever”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2004 was “Reading: a non-stop Journey”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2003 was “Friends for Life”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2002 was “Hourly Happy”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2001 was “happy hour”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 2000 was “Reading is refreshing”
• The Theme of World Book Day 1999 was “Give a Book”.
• The Theme of World Book Day 1998 was “Reading is Cool”.

More info about World Book and Copyright Day

Importance of World Book:

The date for the World Book Day celebration was decided by UNESCO in the General Assembly which was held in Paris in 1995. Join voluntary Organizations, Universities, Schools, Government or Professional groups, Private businesses, and more from over 100 countries.

World Book and Copyright Day celebrations attract people from all continents and cultural backgrounds around the world. It enables people to discover new ideas and spread their knowledge. Books are the treasure of heritage, culture, window of knowledge, instrument for communication, source of prosperity, etc.

Important Days of April Month - (National Days and International Days):