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World Book and Copyright Day

Get ready to dive into the world of literature and protect intellectual property on World Book and Copyright Day - a celebration for book lovers and creators alike.

Friday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 23

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYBooks

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Calling all bookworms and literary enthusiasts! April 23 marks World Book and Copyright Day, a global celebration of books, reading, and the protection of intellectual property. This special day was first established by UNESCO in 1995 to promote the importance of reading and to pay tribute to authors, publishers, and other creators who bring stories and knowledge into our lives. From ancient scrolls to modern e-books, books have played a crucial role in human history, education, and entertainment. So let's celebrate this day by picking up a good book, supporting our favorite authors, and spreading the love for reading!

TIMELINE

World Book and Copyright Day Timeline

World Book and Copyright Day Established

UNESCO proclaims April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day to promote reading, publishing, and copyright protection.

First World Book Capital

Madrid was designated as the first World Book Capital by UNESCO, as part of World Book and Copyright Day initiatives.

World Digital Copyright System

UNESCO launched the World Digital Library, promoting the understanding between countries and cultures, and expanding the amount of world knowledge.

100 Thousand Poets for Change

On this day, book enthusiasts across 500 voluntary events globally gathered to promote environmental, social, and political change.

Digital Celebrations Enforced

Due to COVID-19, many events for World Book and Copyright Day were held online, promoting reading and celebrating authors from the safety of home.

Tbilisi, World Book Capital

UNESCO declared Tbilisi, Georgia as the World Book Capital, applauding its focus on the young generation and the marginalized population.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day

Host a book swap party

Invite friends and family over for a book swap party! Have everyone bring books they no longer want or need and trade with each other. This is a great way to discover new books and celebrate the importance of literature.

ATTEND

Attend a book reading or signing

Check out your local bookstore or library for any book readings or signings happening on World Book and Copyright Day. This is a great way to support authors and learn more about the writing process.

CREATE

Create a book-themed scavenger hunt

Hide quotes from famous books around your house or neighborhood and challenge your friends to find them all. This can be a fun and interactive way to celebrate literature and test your knowledge of books.

START

Start a book club

Gather a group of friends or join an existing book club to discuss and analyze books. This is a great way to engage with literature and share different perspectives on the same story.

WRITE

Write a review for your favorite book

Spread the love for books by writing a review for your favorite book on websites like Goodreads or Amazon. This will not only support the author but also help other readers discover new books to enjoy.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love World Book and Copyright Day

Copyright protects creativity

On this day, we also celebrate copyright laws that protect intellectual property and ensure that creators receive recognition and compensation for their work. Copyright allows writers, artists, musicians, and other creators to share their work with the world, while also protecting it from being used without their permission. World Book and Copyright Day honors these important laws that support creativity and innovation.

Books expand our minds and knowledge

Reading is a way to learn about new ideas, cultures, and perspectives. Books have the power to take us on adventures, teach us valuable lessons, and inspire us to think critically and creatively. World Book and Copyright Day celebrates the importance of books in expanding our minds and knowledge.

Books bring people together

Sharing a great book with someone can create a meaningful connection and encourage discussion. Books also provide a common ground for people with different opinions or backgrounds to come together and engage in meaningful conversations. World Book and Copyright Day reminds us of the power of books to unite us.