APRIL BLOG (2) – World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyrights Day 2025

Did you know that the World Book and Copyrights Day is celebrated on 23rd April of every year?

I honestly did not. I suppose that I ought to feel rather embarrassed as a lifelong reader and almost-as-long writer, given that it was first established in 1995 by UNESCO. Instead, and thankfully so, I found myself excited a few weeks ago, to find out that for at least a day each year, the whole world stops to celebrate books.

Isn’t it fascinating to realize that there is always more to discover and learn?

I went digging into what this day means and how it is celebrated across the world, and came about interesting findings.

• The goal of this day is to celebrate books and authors, and promote awareness on protecting one’s creative works through copyrights. 

Imagine that you put in time and effort to write a storybook, but someone else claimed it was their work and even made all the profit from selling the books. Wouldn’t that be unfair?

Copyrights ensure that an author, illustrator, and any other Creative can protect their work from being copied or misused, and get fair reward for their work. 

• Though first officially established as a global event in 1995, the idea began long before, in Spain in 1923. Dia del Libro, “book day”, honored the author Miguel de Cervantes, who is famous for Don Quixote, and promoted books and reading.
• The date was first set on October 7 to mark Miguel’s birthday, but was moved to April 23rd, the date of his death.
• April 23rd also coincided with the death anniversary of William Shakespeare, immensely famous for works like Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Hamlet, and Merchant of Venice.

         Fun fact: Shakespeare’s birthday was also, coincidentally, April 23rd.

• Different parts of the world celebrate this day, vibrantly incorporating their diverse cultures. World Book Day activities include:
  • Exchanging books and roses.
  • Having book fairs and events in bookstores, libraries, or town streets.
  • Giving vouchers to purchase specially discounted books
  • Organizing reading and writing competitions and book drives
  • Organizing virtual events on social media platforms

• This year’s theme for World Book and Copyrights Day is Read your Way: Diverse Books for every Mind. 

It emphasizes that everyone has the freedom to choose their preferred reading style. It means it is okay to like different kinds of books- audio books, comics, short stories, novels, name them. 

It also emphasizes that we all have different stories because our cultures and individualities are unique. It encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to nurture their reading, and enjoy the books that bring them pleasure.

While thinking about this theme, I asked my friends what kinds of books they enjoy reading and why.

One said he loves audio books, because he can plug in his earphones and listen to chapters of Charles Bukowski while on his morning workout. Another one renewed her love for reading when she became a Mom, and now she devours books that help her become a better parent and human being.

My other friend said her life changed when she discovered self-help books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, which helped her reshape her perspective. She often sits at calm places like waterfalls and picnic areas like the Nairobi Arboretum and Karura Forest for hours, simply to enjoy a good read.

One of the kids at the book club said she loves comic books, because she is an artist who enjoys creative visual storytelling. My uncle confessed that he hasn’t read many books lately, but he reads the newspaper everyday. 

Clearly, there is something for everyone.

As I contemplate this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, I can’t help but be grateful for the wonderful creation that is books. Books ferried me to other continents long before I had ever seen an airplane up close. They helped me form lasting friendships with people who were just as excited as I was about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Books broadened my imagination and comprehension beyond what I thought possible. 

Neil Gaiman said that books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. Imagine how many worlds you would have visited by the time you read 1,000 books! 

What are you reading now, or have resolved to read after this article?

Happy World Book and Copyrights Day!