World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day (also known as International Day of the Book) is observed annually on April 23. This global celebration, organized by UNESCO, promotes the enjoyment of books and reading while highlighting the importance of protecting intellectual property through copyright.

See also: Book Lovers Day, Book Publishers Day, International Book Giving Day, National Coloring Book Day, International Children’s Book Day

History of World Book and Copyright Day

The choice of April 23 is a symbolic one for world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, most notably William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, died in 1616.

The date of April 23 was chosen by UNESCO in 1995 because it coincides with the death anniversaries of several renowned authors, including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. This symbolic date pays tribute to books and authors worldwide, encouraging everyone to access books.​ ¹ The idea for the holiday originated in Catalonia, Spain, where it has been a tradition since the 1920s to give a rose for every book sold on “St. George’s Day” (La Diada de Sant Jordi).

In 1995, during the UNESCO General Conference held in Paris, the date was officially established as World Book and Copyright Day. The mission was to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors, encouraging everyone—and in particular young people—to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity.

Why is World Book and Copyright Day important?

The day serves as a powerful reminder of the book’s role as a vessel for information and culture. Books are the most effective tools we have for disseminating knowledge and preserving heritage. By celebrating the “Copyright” aspect, the holiday also emphasizes the legal and moral rights of creators. In a digital age where content is easily shared and duplicated, the day advocates for fair compensation and credit for writers and publishers, ensuring that the creative industry remains sustainable.

Furthermore, UNESCO uses this day to name a World Book Capital for the year. The chosen city carries out a program of activities to promote books and reading across all ages and population groups. For 2026, the World Book Capital is Guadalajara, Mexico, focusing on the link between literature and social justice. This global focus helps address literacy gaps and promotes the idea that access to books is a fundamental human right.

• It fosters a sense of global community through shared stories and ideas.
• It celebrates books as a link between the past and the future.
• The holiday supports the publishing industry and the rights of authors.
• It promotes multilingualism by encouraging the translation of works.
• The day highlights the importance of literacy in achieving global equality.

How to Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day

The most traditional way to celebrate is by following the Catalonian custom: exchange a book and a rose with a loved one. Many bookstores and libraries host special events, including book signings, readings, and workshops on the history of printing. It is an ideal day to visit a local bookstore to support independent sellers or to sign up for a library card if you don’t already have one.

For those interested in the “Copyright” side of the day, it’s a great time to learn about intellectual property laws and how they protect the artists you love. Educators often use the day to host “reading marathons” or to help students start their own creative writing projects. Simply sharing a recommendation of a book that changed your perspective on social media using the hashtag #WorldBookDay can help spread the joy of reading to your wider circle.

• Buy a book from an independent bookstore and gift it to a friend.
• Spend at least 30 minutes reading a genre you usually ignore.
• Attend a virtual or in-person author talk or poetry slam.
• Donate gently used books to a local school, shelter, or “Little Free Library.”
• Explore the works of the 2026 World Book Capital’s local authors.

Global Observance

On this day, various events are organized globally, including book fairs, readings, and discussions to highlight the importance of books and authors. UNESCO, along with international organizations representing publishers, booksellers, and libraries, selects a city as the World Book Capital each year to maintain the momentum of the day’s celebrations through its initiatives. Book and Copyright Day, observed on April 23, promotes reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property through copyright, honoring authors and encouraging access to books.​

World Book and Copyright Day Dates Table

1. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-book-and-copyright[↩]