World Book Day

World Book Day History

World Book and Copyright Day is dedicated to celebrating the importance of books as a bridge that connects people across cultures and generations. Recognized by UNESCO, the observance promotes not only the joy of reading but also the respect for authors and the value of their intellectual property rights. By appreciating both book creators and their creations, World Book and Copyright Day emphasizes the role of literature in cultural development and the rights of authors to be fairly compensated for their creative works.

Dating back to 1995, World Book and Copyright Day gained its inspiration from the Catalan tradition of gifting books and roses on the death anniversary of the renowned authors, William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. This observance holds significance for people in Nigeria, a nation rich in literature and folklore. It introduces opportunities for Nigerian authors to gain global recognition, encourages reading amongst the younger generation, and upholds copyright laws that protect the intellectual property of Nigerian creators. Thus, stimulating both literary and economic growth in the country.

In Nigeria, World Book and Copyright Day is typically marked by various activities that raise awareness about the joy of reading and author rights. Libraries, schools, and cultural organizations often conduct book fairs, storytelling sessions, writing workshops, and copyright seminars. The Nigerian Copyright Commission also undertakes efforts on this day to address copyright infringements, thereby promoting a lawful and respectful environment for authors to thrive. World Book and Copyright Day takes place annually on April 23rd, echoing efforts to foster a deeper appreciation of books and the creative minds behind them.

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 Nigeria, the duration of copyright protection depends on the type of work. Literary, musical, and artistic works are protected during the life of the author and 70 years after the author's death.
• Nigeria is a signatory to several international copyright treaties, including the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty (WCT), Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

In the News and Trending in Nigeria for World Book Day

Top things to do in Nigeria 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 the National Library: Visiting major libraries such as the National Library of Nigeria in Abuja can be quite educational on World Book and Copyright Day. These libraries usually have scheduled activities and might feature exhibitions, book drives, or reading sessions.
• Read a book to learn more about Copyright laws in Nigeria:
  1) Intellectual Property Law in Nigeria - by Bankole Sodipo
  2) Digital Technologies and Copyright in Nigeria - by Tana Pistorius