World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day History

World Book and Copyright Day seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of reading books. This day aims to highlight the power of books and their ability to impart knowledge and values to readers. It reinforces the idea that books serve as windows into different worlds, both fictional and non-fictional. This day encourages people of all ages to understand the value of books and to read more. It also acknowledges those authors and artists who created the works and vows to continue to protect their work through copyrights.

World Book and Copyright Day was established in 1995 by UNESCO. It is observed annually on April 23rd, a date which remembers prominent authors such as Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

Facts about World Book and Copyright Day

• Each year, UNESCO chooses a World Book Capital. In 2025, the World Book Capital was Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  In 2024 it was Strasbourg, France.
  In 2023 it was Accra, Ghana, located in West Africa.
• UNESCO holds an event every year at their headquarters. Workshops for the young are conducted by booksellers, publishers and artists. The topics include illustration, bookbinding, typography, manga, and more.
• According to the U.S. Department of Education, in 2023, there are over 130 million adults in the U.S. who have low literacy skills.
• According to a study by the Pew Research Center, U.S. adults consumed more print books than e-books and audio books in 2022. 75% of those surveyed claimed to have read a book in some format, 32% claimed to have read a print book, 33% an e-book, and 20% claimed to have listened to an audio book.
• In UNICEF's The State of the World's Children 1999, it was reported that 855,000,000 people in the world were illiterate.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Book and Copyright Day

Top things to do in the US for World Book and Copyright Day

• Dress your children in costumes related to their favorite books. Check out these great examples.
• Why not try a comic book? There are comic books for everyone, and they can be a good alternative for children who don't enjoy regular books. Get them started on comic books with characters they already like from the movies.
• Start reading that book you've been putting off for so long, or buy a new one. Take a look at The New York Times best sellers list.
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• Donate a book. You can donate to libraries, Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and more.