23 April: UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day

Today, April 23rd, is the annual World Book and Copyright Day, designated by UNESCO. By celebrating this Day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.

According to UNESCO, 23 April is  a symbolic date for world literature. On this day in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla, George Steiner and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

UNESCO's General Conference wishes to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for contributions to the social and cultural progress of humanity.

Several events are organised to commemorate the world day of books and copyright.

Source: UNESCO, United Nations