The date was chosen to honor the anniversary of the deaths of prominent authors William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, who all died on April 23rd in 1616.

The primary goal of World Book and Copyright Day is to promote reading, publishing, and copyright awareness worldwide. UNESCO sees books as vectors of culture, education, and information, and this day serves as an opportunity to celebrate books as well as the authors, illustrators, publishers, and other contributors involved in the creation and dissemination of literature.

The celebration of World Book Day varies from country to country, with different activities and events organized by UNESCO, national governments, libraries, schools, bookstores, and various cultural organizations. Over the years, World Book Day has become a global phenomenon, encouraging people of all ages to appreciate the importance of books and reading in their lives.

What are some ways people support World Book Day:

1. Read and Share Books: Dedicate time on World Book Day to read books that interest you. Encourage others to do the same. Share your favorite books or recommendations with friends, family, and on social media to inspire others to pick up a book.
2. Donate Books: Consider donating books to libraries, schools, shelters, or organizations that promote literacy. Many communities have book drives or initiatives to provide books to those in need.
3. Support Authors and Bookstores: Purchase books from local bookstores or directly from authors. Supporting authors and independent bookstores helps sustain the literary community and encourages the creation of more diverse and engaging content.
4. Host a Book Swap or Book Club: Organize a book swap event where people can exchange books they’ve already read for new ones. Alternatively, start or participate in a book club where members can discuss and share their thoughts on different books.
5. Promote Literacy: Volunteer your time to support literacy programs in your community. You could volunteer to read to children at schools or libraries, tutor adults who are learning to read, or participate in literacy awareness campaigns.
6. Engage in Online Activities: Participate in online discussions, book challenges, or virtual events organized by libraries, bookstores, or literary organizations. Share your love of reading on social media using the hashtag #WorldBookDay.
7. Educate Others: Use World Book Day as an opportunity to educate others about the importance of reading and literacy. Spread awareness about the benefits of reading and the impact it can have on personal development and society as a whole.
8. Create Book-related Art or Content: Get creative and express your love for books through art, writing, or other forms of content creation. Share your creations online to inspire others and celebrate the joy of reading.

By participating in these activities, you can contribute to the celebration of World Book Day and help promote the importance of books and reading in our lives.