World Book and Copyright Day is annually celebrated on April 23 to inculcate the habit of reading books and promote skills of writing, translating and publishing. 

The yearly occasion is widely celebrated by bibliophiles. Its event is annually organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

History

First celebrated on April 23 in the year 1995, World Book and Copyright Day aims to honour and revere iconic authors including William Shakespeare, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Miguel Cervantes. 

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The three literary figures died on this day, and so, the United Nations agency decided to observe the World Book and Copyright Day on April 23 as a tribute. 

Each year on World Book Day, an illustrative poster is made and circulated across the world. The poster aims to motivate and encourage people to read books and indulge in literature. 

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This year’s theme

While the key idea of this day is to promote reading, each year brings a different theme related to literature.

This year’s theme is “Read, so you never feel low.”

Last year, UNESCO invited people for a book cover challenge. 

“The book covers are incredibly important and play a vital role in our buying decisions. We’re all extremely judgemental about covers. The pandemic has also reminded us all of the importance of books and reading for comfort and escapism, we’ve all needed it this past year…in such circumstances, we invite students, teachers, readers from around the world as well as the book industry and library services to testify and express their love for reading by participating to this challenge,” read a statement by the organization. 

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How to celebrate World Book Day? 

From attending book fairs to simply curling up with a good book with a cup of coffee in hand, one can celebrate the day by indulging in any activity related to literature.