World Book Day

World Book Day is a worldwide celebration of books. The main purpose is to encourage more people to read and to rekindle the popularity of fiction, which has waned with the rise of the Internet and electronic devices (smartphones, e-books, etc.). It is celebrated annually on April 23.

History

The history of World Book Day dates back to April 23, 1995, when it was established by UNESCO with the support of the United Nations. One of the reasons for selecting this date is that it marks the birth and death anniversary of the world-renowned playwright William Shakespeare.

Fiction offers a unique way to immerse oneself in the worlds created by authors. Reading is often considered superior to watching movies because every moment described in a book is processed by your imagination, which creates its own visualizations of characters, settings, and events, rather than simply absorbing pre-made images.

Books have an ancient history. As far back as the ancient world, books existed in the form of clay tablets with inscriptions. Over the millennia, books have evolved into their modern form, and we celebrate this day to pick up our favorite book, leaf through its pages, and enjoy the universe crafted by the author.

Interesting Facts

• The Prisse Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian manuscript, is one of the oldest known books, dating back to around 3350 B.C. Its content remains relevant today, dealing with the conflict between generations.
• The true era of printing began in the second half of the 15th century, when Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1445.
• Reading can reduce stress, enhance knowledge, stimulate imagination, expand vocabulary, and more. The benefits of reading physical books are undeniable.

How to Celebrate

On this day, read an interesting book. Experiment with new genres. Visit your local library to explore rare books.

Share a post about the holiday on social media. Ask others if they enjoy reading, how often they do it, and what their favorite genres are.

When is World Book Day in 2025?

World Book Day is observed on April 23 each year.

Observations