World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day History

World Book and Copyright Day seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of reading books. This day aims to highlight the power of books and their ability to impart knowledge and values to readers. It reinforces the idea that books serve as windows into different worlds, both fictional and non-fictional. This day encourages people of all ages to understand the value of books and to read more. It also acknowledges those authors and artists who created the works and vows to continue to protect their work through copyrights.

World Book and Copyright Day was established in 1995 by UNESCO. It is observed annually on April 23rd, a date which remembers prominent authors such as Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

Top 9 Facts for World Book and Copyright Day in 2026

• The World Book Capital for 2026 is Rabat, Morocco, making it only the fifth city on the African continent to receive this prestigious designation since the program's inception.
• The upcoming observance in Morocco will feature a significant thematic focus on the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, aiming to bridge cultural divides through the lens of historical narrative and travel literature.
• While the international event occurs in April, the World Book Day celebrations in the United Kingdom and Ireland are observed earlier on March 5, 2026, featuring the specific theme Go All In to encourage deeper engagement with reading.
• The choice of April 23 for the global celebration is deeply symbolic as it marks the death anniversary of several world-renowned authors, including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
• Morocco’s programming for the year will be anchored by the 31st International Book and Publishing Fair, known as SIEL, which is one of the largest literary events in Africa and will highlight France as the 2026 guest of honor.
• The observance is traditionally linked to the centuries-old Catalan festival La Diada de Sant Jordi, where people traditionally exchange roses and books to honor their patron saint.
• As part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032, UNESCO continues to promote the children's book What Makes Us Human to support linguistic diversity and literacy in mother-tongue languages.
• Rabat was selected for its expanding book industry, which includes 54 publishing houses and a growing network of bookstores dedicated to the empowerment of women and youth through community-based literacy initiatives.
• The protection of intellectual property remains a core pillar of the day, emphasizing the Universal Copyright Convention as a vital tool for supporting the creative economy and the rights of authors in the digital age.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Book and Copyright Day

Top things to do in the US for World Book and Copyright Day

• Dress your children in costumes related to their favorite books. Check out these great examples.
• Why not try a comic book? There are comic books for everyone, and they can be a good alternative for children who don't enjoy regular books. Get them started on comic books with characters they already like from the movies.
• Start reading that book you've been putting off for so long, or buy a new one. Take a look at The New York Times best sellers list.
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• Donate a book. You can donate to libraries, Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and more.