World Book and Copyright Day

What Is World Book and Copyright Day?

Every year on April 23rd, the world observes "World Book and Copyright Day," adopted by UNESCO's General Assembly in 1995. The day celebrates the role books play in education, culture, and communication, encourages people everywhere to share in the joy of reading, and promotes the protection of authors' rights (copyright) and respect for creativity. Also known simply as "World Book Day," it's marked by a wide variety of book-related events in more than 100 countries.

A Date Steeped in Literary History

April 23rd is one of the most symbolic dates in literary history.

• Two literary giants, one date: April 23, 1616 is recorded as the date of death (or burial) of both William Shakespeare, the English playwright, and Miguel de Cervantes, the Spanish novelist. This remarkable coincidence helped reinforce the date's symbolism as a day to celebrate books worldwide.
• Sharing the spirit of Sant Jordi with the world: UNESCO chose this date partly to spread the beautiful tradition of "Sant Jordi's Day" from Catalonia, Spain -- a day when people give each other books and roses. It's an example of a local cultural tradition rising to become a symbol of international peace and education.

Copyright and the Reliability of Information

Copyright is more than a legal right -- it's part of the infrastructure that supports human intelligence and creativity.

• An incentive for creativity: Copyright allows creators to earn fair compensation from their work, sustaining their motivation to keep creating. Without this system, the accumulation of human knowledge would stagnate, according to social science analyses.
• Protecting the "source" of information: Amid the flood of information online, the concept of copyright -- knowing who wrote something and under what responsibility -- serves as a foundation for verifying reliability. Protecting the value of original sources helps safeguard the intellectual quality of society as a whole.

Interesting Facts About World Book and Copyright Day

• World Book Capital: Each year, UNESCO designates a "World Book Capital" -- a city that takes the lead in promoting reading throughout the year.
• The birth of copyright: The world's first copyright law is generally considered to be Britain's Statute of Anne, from 1710. The spread of the printing press, which opened up access to knowledge beyond the privileged classes, helped drive the need for such legislation.
• The chemistry of old book smell: The distinctive smell of old books comes from organic compounds like vanillin, released as lignin and cellulose in the paper break down over time. Research suggests this smell can have a relaxing effect on the brain.
• The world's most-read book: The Bible remains the most-read book by far, though series like Harry Potter have set astonishing sales records in recent decades. Books have the power to create a "common language" across time and cultures.
• The role of the public domain: Once a work's copyright protection expires, it enters the "public domain" and can be freely used and reimagined by anyone. This becomes a source for new creative works (such as Disney films) and enriches culture as a whole.

Ideas for Observing World Book and Copyright Day

• To mark the day, reread a book that has had a major impact on your life -- or pick up a piece of foreign literature or an entirely new genre to expand your intellectual horizons
• Visit a local library or independent bookstore. As you look at the rows of spines lined up neatly on the shelves, take a moment to appreciate the thousands of "life records" and "imagined worlds" contained within, and enjoy the luxury of being surrounded by knowledge
• Take a little time to learn about copyright. When using images or text from the internet, remember that they represent someone's creative effort, and make it part of your routine to credit and reference sources respectfully
• Give someone "a book." In the spirit of Sant Jordi's Day, add a single rose and give a book to a friend or family member. In an age of digital connections, sharing the physical joy of turning pages can create a deeper bond

Thousands of Years of Wisdom on the Page Become a Friend in Solitude and a Powerful Tool for an Uncertain Future

April 23rd is a day to express gratitude for the miracle of "words" that humanity has woven together, and to renew our commitment to protecting their value. Opening a book is more than turning physical pages -- it's a direct conversation with the soul of someone living in a different era, country, or circumstance. When you find yourself lost or stuck in the new season, open a book. Within its pages, the wisdom of those who faced similar struggles and overcame them is waiting to be discovered. By believing in the power of words and helping protect and nurture it, the story of your own life will take on richer, deeper colors.