Last Updated on 22 April 2024 IST | World Book Day is an annual observance celebrated globally on April 23rd every year. It promotes the importance of reading, publishing, and the dissemination of knowledge. Books serve as fundamental sources of information and play a crucial role in the creation and sharing of knowledge across various domains. By gaining access to the knowledge contained within books, individuals can continually expand their horizons and elevate their understanding. 

Commemorating World Book Day highlights the significance of books as vehicles for learning and personal growth. On this World Book Day 2024, it is worthwhile to explore the objectives and activities associated with this observance in greater detail. 

Key Highlights of World Book Day 2024

• In the UK and Ireland, World Book Day is observed on March 2nd.
• In more than 100 other nations, it takes place on April 23rd.
• The theme for World Book Day 2024 is “Read Your Way”.
• Each year, UNESCO selects a city as the World Book Capital to maintain the impetus of the Day’s celebrations. In 2024, ‘Strasbourg’ holds this honor.
• April 23rd is a symbolic date in world literature because it marks the deaths of prominent authors such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
• It recognizes books as a link between the past and the future, a bridge across generations and cultures.

Which Date World Book Day 2024 Is Celebrated? 

World Book Day 2024 is marked on April 23 every year to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. In the year 2024, World Book Day will be commemorated on Tuesday, April 23. This day marks celebration for the opportunity of reading in the library and being a book lover.

Why is 23 April a World Book Day?

April 23 is marked as World Book Day because many prominent authors were either born or have died on this day. On April 23, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Josep Pla died whereas Manuel Mejia Vallejo and Maurice Druon were born.

Why is World Book Day celebrated on April 23rd except for the UK and Ireland?

In 1995, UNESCO announced that the World Book and Copyright Day would be commemorated on 23 April every year to mark William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Josep Pla death anniversary and Manuel Mejia Vallejo and Maurice Druon birth anniversary.

Is World Book Day Celebrated On Some Other Dates Also?

World Book and Copyright Day: World Book Day is a charity event in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is commemorated every year on the first Thursday and at the same time special editions are released. In United States of America’s Kensington, Maryland, the International Day of the Book is commemorated with a street festival on a nearby Sunday of 26 April.

What Are Other Names of World Book Day?

“World Book Day ” is also called “World Book and Copyright Day” or “International Day of the Book”. It is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing, and copyright annually.

What is the World Digital Library ?

The World Digital Library (WDL) is an internet-based resource that provides complimentary access to an extensive array of cultural materials. These materials encompass manuscripts, rare books, maps, photographs and other significant documents from a variety of cultures and nations globally. 

UNESCO and the Library of Congress established the WDL, incorporating contributions from numerous libraries, archives, and cultural institutions worldwide. Its principal objective is to enrich global comprehension and admiration for diverse cultures by enabling unrestricted access to these resources for individuals with internet connectivity.

Significance of World Digital Library (WDL)

The WDL protects and provides to the world the cultural objects of great significance, improves means of approach to cultural treasures and important historical documents to enable uncovering, intellectual attainment, and make use of.

Theme Of World Book Day 2024?

In the year 2023, the Theme of World Book Day was ‘Indigenous Languages’. Indigenous languages are the means of promoting native linguistic diversity. However, The theme for World Book Day 2024 is “Read Your Way.” The charity explained that this year’s theme celebrates the idea that children are more inclined to enjoy reading when their choices are supported and reading is made enjoyable.

Significance of World Book Day?

There is a great significance of the date April 23 in the literature world. The day observes the birth and death anniversaries of a few renowned authors. The world-famous writers such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Josep Pla died on April 23 whereas Manuel Mejia Vallejo and Maurice Druon were born on April 23.

Reading is also an entertainment that involves the imagination of the reader as compared to watching videos. The reader enjoys relaxation by having a feel of the book. The innovative designing and quality of printing the book gives an additional feel of the book. Books are very much valuable for society. 

“Indeed, books are vital vehicles to access, transmit and promote education, science, culture and information worldwide.”

— Audrey Azoalay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day 2022

How to Develop Reading Habits ?

• Set specific reading goals to give your habit direction and purpose.
• Establish a consistent daily routine dedicated to reading.
• Select reading material that genuinely interests you to enhance enjoyment and engagement.
• Utilize technology, such as e-readers or audiobooks, to access a variety of content conveniently.
• Engage with reading communities or groups to share insights and recommendations.
• Limit screen time to prioritize reading and reduce distractions.
• Keep track of your reading progress using a journal or app to stay motivated and accountable.
• Be patient and persistent, understanding that developing a reading habit takes time and effort.

Which City Is Named “World Book Capital” For The Year 2024 by UNESCO?

Strasbourg is a place with lots of history and culture. And it is chosen by UNESCO as the World Book Capital for 2024. On World Book Day, UNESCO alongwith the international organizations on behalf of the book industry’s three major sectors – publishers, booksellers and libraries, choose the World Book Capital for a year. In the year 2024, main focus of the capital city will be: 

• Promote reading activities at public spaces
• Organize reading and writing workshops for children to improve social bonding and cohesion 
• Encourage story-telling and street poetry to strengthen neighborhood identity through using intergenerational connections.

History of World Book Day?

In 1995, UNESCO decided to establish a day devoted to reading books. It was discussed in the General Conference convened in Paris, ‘to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those, who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity.’

• UNESCO chose the date as it coincided with the death anniversary of William Shakespeare and renowned Spanish chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. 
• Many days were considered before reaching the date. In the beginning, it was thought to honor the author Miguel de Cervantes on his birthday, on October 7, or his death day on April 23.
• The death day coincided with the death day of William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, therefore April 23 was selected.
• Incidentally, many other famous authors like William Wordsworth and David Halberstam have also died on April 23.
• In many parts of the globe like the UK and Ireland, World Book Day is celebrated on several other dates.

Paper Is Backbone of Books

World Book and Copyright Day 2024: Indian history reminds us of the record of written material on typical leafy papers. On record, the first book was developed by the Chinese in the 3rd century. That time the paper used to be thick and heavy. In earlier times papers were made by Hand from Bamboo and grass. Later with mechanization the paper was developed through automatic plants from Hardwood and Softwood.

Also Read: World Earth Day: Theme, Quotes, History, Celebrations

The coating technology has been developed to a very high level. Therefore the gloss is very high, brightness and whiteness is also close to 99. The light GSM paper weight makes the book very light and facilitates easy reading.

What Is the World Book Day Timeline?

• Tablet Engravings (3500 B.C.): The first non-paper clay tablet on which Sumerians engrave their alphabet.
• The Very First Printed Book (858 A.D.): In China, a book was printed on characters using woodblocks.
• Penguin Publishing (1935): The Penguin publishing company published ten books in paperback form that were sold in stores.
• Digital Reading: The E Ink Corporation developed electronic paper in 1997. Later reading tablet Kindle was released that has a capacity to store thousands of books digitally.

World Book Day: The Numbers

• 1,207,937 – Reading sessions started on Bookly last year.
• 359,803 – Books and e-books added on Bookly between 2019 and 2020.
• 16,555 – Audiobooks added to Bookly between 2019 and 2020.
• 909,394 – Reading sessions started by female users on Bookly between 2019 and 2020.
• 350,485 – Reading sessions started by male users on Bookly between 2019 and 2020.
• 25–34 – The ages between which the most books are read.
• 80 million – Active users on popular book site Goodreads.
• 24% of American adults who have not read a book in 2018. 

How do people Celebrate World Book Day 2024?

• Discover the transformative power of literature.
• Embrace the profound spiritual wisdom imparted by Supreme God Kabir.
• Curate a collection of spiritually enlightening books that can profoundly impact your life.
• Seek out authentic spiritual literature authored by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
• Utilize the Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj App to access a wealth of enlightening books and videos.
• Engage with these resources to uncover the true meaning and purpose of human existence.
• Download free books from “Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj” App from Google play.

Books That Can Help You Achieve Success

Although there are many books that are fruitful for everyone available for different purposes and languages. However, there are a few that can change their life .

• Atomic Habits by James Clear: This book focuses on forming good habits and breaking bad ones, which is essential for personal and professional success.
• Lead From the Outside by Stacey Abrams: A guide to leadership and overcoming obstacles, especially relevant for women and people of color.
• Radical Candor by Kim Scott: Learn effective communication and leadership skills to build strong relationships and succeed in your career.
• Gyan Ganga: Written by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, this book summarizes religious scriptures and emphasizes that the Supreme God is Kabir.
• Way of Living: Authored by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, this book offers spiritual and social guidance, focusing on achieving salvation and purposeful existence

Important Quotes on World Book Day?

• ”Books are a uniquely portable magic” – Stephen King
• ”There is no friend as loyal as a book” – Ernest Hemingway
• ”The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library” – Albert Einstein
• “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking” – Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood
• ”I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book” – J.K. Rowling
• ”You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me” – C.S. Lewis

How do we Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day?

• Download free books from “Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj” App from Google play

• Participate in the #Bookface Challenge.
• Join the World Book Capital Celebrations.
• Dress Up Like a Literary Character.
• Visit Your Favorite Bookshop.
• Make a Book-Related Craft.
• Host a Book Club or Book Discussion.

Why is 23 April a World Book Day?

April 23 is marked as World Book and Copyright Day because many prominent authors were either born or have died on this day. On April 23, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Josep Pla died whereas Manuel Mejia Vallejo and Maurice Druon were born.

Why is World Book Day celebrated on April 23rd except for the UK and Ireland?

In 1995, UNESCO announced that the World Book and Copyright Day would be commemorated on 23 April every year to mark William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Josep Pla death anniversary and Manuel Mejia Vallejo and Maurice Druon birth anniversary.

Important Quotes on World Book Day?

• ”Books are a uniquely portable magic” – Stephen King
• ”There is no friend as loyal as a book” – Ernest Hemingway
• ”The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library” – Albert Einstein
• “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking” – Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood
• ”I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book” – J.K. Rowling
• ”You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me” – C.S. Lewis

Enlighten Your World Book Day by Reading “The Way of Living”

The Sacred Book “Way of Living” is worth keeping at home and reading. It must be read by the children, the parents and the grandparents. The book enlightens the readers about what is the real purpose of human birth and how to accomplish it? After reading the book, come to the refuge of the Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj and take Naam Diksha (Initiation) from Him. Sant Rampal Ji is rare among the rarest sants on the planet Earth.

FAQs about World Book Day 2024

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