World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day

Basic Information

World Book and Copyright Day also known as World Book Day is an annual event observed on April 23 with an aim to promote reading, publishing and protection of copyright.


Observed on: April 23

Organized by: UNESCO

Introduced in: 1995 (First Observation)

Observed: Worldwide


About World Book and Copyright Day

Every year 23 April is observed as World Book and Copyright Day. This day is also known as World Book Day or International Day of the Book. This day is organized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The aim of the observance of this day is to promote reading, publishing and protection of copyright. First World book Day was celebrated on 23 April 1995.

This date is the birth and death anniversary of several prominent authors. 23 April is the death anniversary of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, Vladimir Nabokov, Manuel Meijia Vallejo, Josep Pla and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. It is also birth anniversary of Manuel Meijia Vallejo, Maurice Druon and Halldor Laxness.


Activities and Programs on World Book Day

This day is celebrated with different programs and events to promote the reading, publishing and protection of copyright. Some programs include conferences, debates, competitions, exhibitions, workshops, seminars, etc.

Many includes educational institutions, publishers, booksellers, authors, libraries, arts clubs, etc. are participating in these celebrations with variety of programs.


Theme for World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day 2021 Theme is “To share a story

World Book Day 2020 is with the slogan “KL Baca – caring through reading”, the program focuses on four themes: reading in all its forms, development of the book industry infrastructure, inclusiveness and digital accessibility, and empowerment of children through reading.

World Book Day 2019 Theme focus particularly on the importance of enhancing and protecting Indigenous languages

World Book Day 2018 Theme was “Reading, it’s my right!

World Biook Day 2016 Theme: World Book Capital 2016: Wroclaw, Poland

2015 Theme: Read the World

2014 Theme: Be Smart-Read Books!

2013 Theme: Reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright

2012 Theme: Books and Translations

2011 Theme: Evolution of Book Production, from Writing to Digital

2010 Theme: International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures

2009 Theme: Development of Quality Education and the Link between Publishing and Human Rights

2008 Theme: International Year of Languages

2007 Theme: Reading is the Key

2006 Theme: Literacy Changes Lives

2005 Theme: Reading is Forever

2004 Theme: Reading: a non-stop Journey

2003 Theme: Friends for Life

2001 Theme: Happy Hour

1999 Theme: Give a Book

1998 Theme: Reading is Cool


Click here for List of Important Days or UN Observations

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