World Book Day

reading · global celebration · books · UNESCO

Started in 1995. World Book Day began on April 23, 1995, and happens every single year on that same date to encourage people everywhere to discover the joy of reading.

UNESCO leads it. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) runs World Book Day to promote reading, publishing, and to protect authors' work through copyright.

Book Capital cities. Each year, UNESCO picks one special city called the World Book Capital, where they celebrate books with fun activities and programs all year long. In 2024, Strasbourg, France earned this honor.

Different dates matter. While most of the world celebrates on April 23rd, the UK and Ireland have their own World Book Day in March instead.

Why April 23rd?. This date was chosen to honor famous authors like William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, whose birthdays or death anniversaries fall on April 23rd.