World Book and Copyright Day

 A celebration of the power of books

Books are like a window onto another world – with each new page, they introduce us to new people, new cultures and new ideas. Every year, on 23 April, UNESCO celebrates World Book and Copyright Day to recognize the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures.  

This date holds immense symbolism in world literature, marking the death of several renowned authors, including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. 

Rio de Janeiro: World Book Capital 2025

Every year, as part of celebrations for World Book and Copyright Day, a World Book Capital is selected by UNESCO and international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry – publishers, booksellers and libraries. Selected cities undertake to promote books and reading for all age groups and across all sectors of society, in the host country and beyond.  

To date, UNESCO has designated 25 World Book Capitals, from Madrid, Spain, in 2001, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2025. This year, the Brazilian city is implementing a project that underlines how books can bring about social change – for example, through literacy, education and poverty eradication – and create sustainable economic benefits. 

Books, in all their forms, allow us to learn and to keep ourselves informed. They also entertain us and help us to understand the world. For books to be able to unleash their full potential, it is essential that they reflect the linguistic diversity of our world. However, this is far from being the case today; the majority of works are published in just a handful of languages. 

The theme for World Book Day 2025 is "Read Your Way". This theme encourages children to explore reading in a way that's most engaging and enjoyable for them, whether it's reading aloud, acting out a story, or creating their own reading experiences.