‘The birds have wings; humans have books.’

International Book Reading Day is most commonly recognised as World Book Day, celebrated every year on April 23.

A UNESCO‑designated global observance to promote reading, authors, and the cultural importance of books.

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What It Is

World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day or International Day of the Book, is an annual international celebration established by UNESCO in 1995 to honor books, authors, and the joy of reading.

Widely Celebrated

It is observed in over 100 countries and has become one of the most widely celebrated literary events worldwide.

April 23 was chosen for its deep literary significance. It marks the death anniversaries (or birth/death dates) of several iconic writers, including:

William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Vladimir Nabokov, Maurice Druon, Halldór Laxness

This symbolic date ties the celebration to centuries of literary heritage.

Purpose and Global Impact

The day aims to: Promote reading among children, youth, and adults. Celebrate authors and their contributions to culture.  Highlight copyright awareness and the protection of intellectual property

Encourage global literacy and multilingual learning

Support the book industry through fairs, festivals, and community events.

UNESCO emphasizes that books act as bridges between cultures, generations, and societies, especially important in an increasingly digital world.

How It’s Celebrated

Across the world, you’ll find: Book fairs and literary festivals. School reading campaigns. Public readings and storytelling events

Bookstore promotions and giveaways. Cultural programs celebrating local authors

UNESCO’s World Book Capital activities, where a selected city leads year‑long reading initiatives

For example, Strasbourg was named World Book Capital for 2024, and Rio de Janeiro holds the title for 2025.

Fun Facts

There are an estimated 130–170 million books in existence.

The smell of old books has a name: bibliosmia.

Goodreads hosts tens of millions of active readers who share reviews and recommendations.

Iceland is often cited as having the highest per‑capita readership in the world.

Fun Quotes

‘A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.’ George R.R. Martin.

Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world. ~ Napoleon Bonaparte.

‘I am a reader, not because I don’t have a life, but because I choose to have many.’ ~ Unknown.

‘Across the country, all manner of heinous crimes against grammar and good taste are committed daily.’ – Tom Parker Bowles.

I dedicate this book to my daughter Leonora; without whose never-failing sympathy and encouragement, it would have been finished it in half the time. ~ P.G. Wodehouse.

 A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit. – Richard Bach

 Whenever I am asked what kind of writing is most lucrative, I have to say, a ransom note. –  H. N. Swanson

‘Writing is easy.  All you have to do is stare at a blank piece of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.’   ~ Gene Fowler.

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