World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day is an annual global celebration that pays tribute to books and authors, encouraging everyone, particularly the young, to discover the joy of reading. More than a simple celebration, the observance serves as a call to respect and safeguard authors' rights worldwide through copyright protection. It aims to create a convergence of diverse cultures through the written word, facilitating cultural diversity and dialogue.

This international observance traces its roots back to 23 April 1616 when iconic figures of world literature - Miguel Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega – passed away. In South Africa, World Book and Copyright Day holds great significance in fostering a vibrant reading culture, given the country's rich literary heritage. It highlights the importance of copyright in protecting the rights and livelihoods of local South African authors and creators, which in turn fuels cultural diversity and vibrant literary environments.

South Africans typically observe World Book and Copyright Day in a myriad of ways, including book donation drives, story-telling sessions, reading marathons, literary conferences, and writing workshops. Schools and libraries promote the joy of reading among children and teenagers by celebrating local authors and their works. World Book and Copyright Day in South Africa, much like the rest of the world, is observed on April 23rd each year. The day presents an outstanding opportunity to revel in the country's literary tradition and underscore the indispensable role of copyright in fostering creativity and innovation.