Essay on World Book and Copyright Day | Short Essay on World Book Day
World Book and Copyright Day comes on 23rd April every year. It is also called “International Day of the Book or World Book Days”. All aspects of reading are encouraged to support literacy, reading to and with children, provide information of scientific knowledge and educational resources. Besides readers themselves, the book industry is also involved: publishers, booksellers and libraries.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) started it in 1995 in promotion of reading, publishing and protect copyright. There are several theories to explain why it comes on April 23 only. Let’s see some of them below:
· The world-famous writer William Shakespeareand Inca Garcilaso de la Vega were died on this day.
· Another one is because of a festival held since 1923 in Spain to honor the death of Spanish writer Cervantes.
UNESCO wants to encourage young people to find the pleasures of reading and respect the authors who have helped to shape and change our world.
World Book Day in Different Regions:
· In Catalonia (Spain), the World Book Day is celebrated as St George’s Day since 1436. On this day, people exchange gifts between loved ones.
· In Sweden, the World Book Day is called the Varldsbokdagen. It is celebrated on April 13.
· In UK and Ireland, they organise an event called the “World Book Night” to celebrate the World Book Day.
· The World Book Day is celebrated as a street festival in the US
In the three weeks leading up to 23 April, UNESCO shares quotes, poems and messages on social media to symbolize the power of books and encourage reading as much as possible. By creating a sense of community through shared readings and the shared knowledge, readers around the world can connect and mutually help loneliness. Something that is so needed during these difficult times we are living through.
In the UK however, World Book Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of March and is an important event within schools to encourage reading. Teachers and children dressing up as their favorite characters – lots of Harry Potters, Peter Rabbits and Alices! However, the more serious side of the event is recognizing that reading can have a significant impact on children’s wellbeing.
