World Book Day

World Book Day History

World Book and Copyright Day seeks to promote the enjoyment of books and the respect for authorship. Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the event underscores the capacity of literature to entertain, culturally enrich, and broaden the scope of human knowledge and experience. It also highlights the significance of securing authors' intellectual property rights through copyright laws and practices, reaffirming the need for universal literacy.

World Book and Copyright Day, observed since 1995, has particular relevance to Canada, a nation with a rich literary heritage and robust intellectual property laws. The day resonates with Canada's commitment to promoting literature and safeguarding authors' rights. Through various activities, Canadians are reminded of the contributions of talented Canadian authors to the world's literary tapestry and the importance of protecting their creative expressions through copyright laws.

In Canada, World Book and Copyright Day is marked with various activities spanning literary events, readings, discussions, and educational programs, often held at schools, libraries, and community centres. These activities aim to spark Canadians’ passion for books, foster a love for reading, and heighten awareness about intellectual property rights. World Book and Copyright Day takes place on April 23 each year.

Facts about World Book Day

• Each year, UNESCO chooses a World Book Capital. In 2024, the World Book Capital was Strasbourg, France.
  In 2023, the World Book Capital was Accra, Ghana, located in West Africa.
• UNESCO holds an event every year at their headquarters. Workshops for the young are conducted by booksellers, publishers and artists. The topics include illustration, bookbinding, typography, manga, and more.
• In Canada, copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of a work and generally lasts for the life of the author, plus 50 years after the end of the calendar year of death.
• Canadian libraries are renowned for organizing public readings with authors and illustrators, book signing sessions, and various promotional offers to encourage the purchase of books and dedication to reading during World Book and Copyright Day.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Book Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Book 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.
• Visit Libraries: Many local libraries across Canada host various events in honor of World Book Day. You can participate in book readings, author meet-ups, literature workshops, and book exchange.
• Read a book to learn more about Copyrights laws in Canada:
  1) Canadian Copyright: A Citizen's Guide - by Laura Murray and Samuel Trosow
  2) Introduction to Copyright Law in Canada - by Michael S. Birrell and Barry L. Sookman