What is World Book Day?
World Book Day is an annual celebration of books, reading, and literacy. The event aims to promote the love of reading and inspire a lifelong love of literature in children and young people. World Book Day is celebrated globally, with events and activities held in schools, libraries, and communities.
When is World Book Day?
World Book Day is observed on March 2nd, 2023. On this day, there will be various events and activities held worldwide to celebrate books and reading.
How to get involved
Here are some ways to get involved in World Book Day:
- Read a book: Spend some time reading a book on World Book Day. You can choose to read alone, with friends or family, or participate in a community reading event.
- Donate books: Donate books to schools, libraries, or organisations that promote literacy. You can also donate books to children or families in need in your community.
- Dress up as a book character: Many schools and communities encourage children to dress up as their favourite book characters on World Book Day. Get involved by dressing up and participating in a costume parade or event.
- Participate in a book swap: Organize or participate in a book swap event in your community. This is a great way to share books and encourage others to read.
- Share your love of reading: Share your love of reading with others by writing book reviews, recommending books to friends and family, or starting a book club.
By participating in World Book Day, you can promote literacy and a love of reading, support local libraries and schools, and connect with others who share your passion for literature.
History of World Book Day
World Book Day has a long and varied history. The origins of World Book Day date back to the early 1920s, when booksellers in Catalonia, Spain began to commemorate the death of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, on April 23rd. This date is also the anniversary of the birth and death of William Shakespeare, making it an ideal day to celebrate books and literature.
In 1995, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designated April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day, with the goal of promoting reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property. The first official World Book Day was celebrated in 1996, and since then, the event has grown in popularity and participation around the world.
In the UK and Ireland, World Book Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of March, as it was initially created by the Booksellers Association in the UK in 1995. The event was developed as a way to encourage children to read more and to promote literacy.
Today, World Book Day is celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide, with various events and activities designed to promote reading and a love of literature. From book swaps to writing contests to author visits, World Book Day is an important event for book lovers of all ages.
Reference -
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-book-day-2023/
Image source -
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/kids-reading-books-working-on-computer-534922966