Every year on April 23rd, World Book and Copyright Day is observed to promote the joy of reading. April 23 is significant in world literature because it commemorates the deaths of iconic writers such as Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare on this date.
“This date was a natural choice for UNESCO’s General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books,” says the organization.
Books have conquered the human power to conjure up worlds, both real and imaginary
“For centuries, books have embodied the human power to conjure up worlds, both real and imaginary, giving expression to the diversity of human experience,” it continued.
“They provide far-reaching kinds of conversation between individuals beyond space and time by allowing us to share ideas, receive information, and inspire admiration for diverse cultures. “Stories are an “extremely powerful” technique for educating younger generations, according to the organisation
Motivated to work together in this world celebration of books and authors
UNESCO asked its allies to help spread the word that books may help people “face contemporary concerns; understand political and economic realities, and battle inequities and misinformation.”
World Book and Copyright Day has become a platform to rally millions of people all over the world, with the active participation of all stakeholders: authors, publishers, teachers, librarians, public and private institutions, humanitarian NGOs and the mass media, and all those who feel motivated to work together in this world celebration of books and authors,” it added.
