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International days are marked to educate the public on issues of concern, to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. Each international day provides the community an opportunity to organize activities related to the theme and to create public awareness on the same. Organizations, governments, public and private sectors, schools, universities and citizens make international day a springboard for awareness raising actions. In this article let us check on the observation of World Book and Copyright Day 2025 and its history, purpose, and quiz.
World Book and Copyright Day 2025 – April 23
In this article readers can get a glimpse on
- History and purpose of world book and copyright day
- World Book and Copyright Day Theme 2025 and previous year themes
- World book capital 2025 and its objectives
- List of World book capitals
- How To Contribute Towards The Observation Of World book and copyright Day
- World Book and Copyright Day 2025 Quiz
History of World Book and Copyright Day 2025
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
World book day was first celebrated on April 23, 1995. April 23 is a symbolic date for world literature. April 23 is a date that marks the death of many famous authors like William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. Hence to pay a tribute to these prominent authors and books this date April 23 was selected by UNESCO in a general conference held at Paris in the year 1995 as World Book and copyright day.
The purpose of this day is to
- Pay tribute to authors, books and copyright laws that protect them.
- To respect the authors who have made irreplaceable contributions to social and cultural progress
- To increase the understanding and adherence to copyright laws among the society and to protect intellectual copyright.
- To encourage the world to cherish books as the valuable tool for knowledge sharing, mutual understanding and openness to diversified world.
- To promote the importance of reading, to recognize the magical power of books and to encourage people to discover the pleasure of reading.
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Start Learning!World Book and Copyright Day Theme 2025
On April 23, 2025, UNESCO will celebrate World Book and Copyright Day with the inspiring theme “Read Your Way.” This year’s theme recognizes the personal nature of reading and encourages individuals to engage with books in the format, genre, and language that best suits their interests, abilities, and lifestyles. Whether through traditional print, digital formats, audiobooks, or community storytelling, the campaign aims to make reading an inclusive, empowering, and enjoyable activity for everyone.
The 2025 celebration highlights the importance of choice and accessibility in reading, especially for marginalized communities, people with disabilities, and multilingual readers. It aligns with UNESCO’s broader goals of promoting literacy, cultural diversity, and the freedom of expression through literature. The theme also supports the global push for inclusive education and lifelong learning, underlining how reading can spark creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth.
“Read Your Way” will be celebrated worldwide through book fairs, author readings, public library events, school programs, and digital campaigns. Special attention will be given to local authors, inclusive publishing practices, and innovative reading initiatives that reflect the diverse ways people connect with books. The day serves as a reminder that everyone’s reading journey is valid—and that every reader deserves the opportunity to discover, learn, and imagine in their own way.
World Book and Copyright Day: Previous Themes
World Book and Copyright Day, observed annually on April 23, celebrates the power of books to connect generations, cultures, and communities. Each year, UNESCO selects a theme to highlight the evolving role of books and reading in society. Here are the themes from recent years:
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2018: Reading, it’s my Right
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2019: Share a Story
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2020: Books have the Unique Ability to Entertain and to Teach
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2021: Share a Story
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2022: Read, so You Never Feel Low
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2023: Indigenous Languages!
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2024: Read Your Way
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2025: Read Your Way
Note: The theme “Read Your Way” was introduced in 2024 and continues into 2025, emphasizing the importance of personalized reading experiences.
World Book Capital 2025 and Its Objectives: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Continuing UNESCO’s mission to promote books, reading, and literacy worldwide, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been named the World Book Capital for 2025. The city was selected for its strong commitment to social inclusion, education, and culture, especially in underserved communities.
Rio’s program highlights the transformative power of books and reading to foster resilience, unity, and opportunity. It emphasizes access to literature in vulnerable areas and encourages reading as a tool for social development.
The program focuses on four key themes:
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Expanding access to books and libraries,
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Encouraging reading among children and youth,
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Promoting local authors and cultural diversity,
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Using reading to empower communities in marginalized areas.
Activities included at the World Book Capital for 2025:
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Mobile libraries traveling to favelas and remote neighborhoods,
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City-wide reading festivals and street book fairs,
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Literacy workshops and storytelling sessions in public schools,
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Initiatives to digitize libraries and make books accessible to all.
List of World Book Capital – The year, City and Country
The following cities have been designated as World Book Capitals from 2001 to 2021:
| Year | Name of the city | Name of the country |
| 2001 | Madrid | Spain |
| 2002 | Alexandria | Egypt |
| 2003 | New Delhi | India |
| 2004 | Antwerp | Belgium |
| 2005 | Montreal | Canada |
| 2006 | Turin | Italy |
| 2007 | Bogotá | Colombia |
| 2008 | Amsterdam | Netherlands |
| 2009 | Beirut | Lebanon |
| 2010 | Ljubljana | Slovenia |
| 2011 | Buenos Aires | Argentina |
| 2012 | Yerevan | Armenia |
| 2013 | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 2014 | Port Harcourt | Nigeria |
| 2015 | Incheon | South Korea |
| 2016 | Wrocław | Poland |
| 2017 | Conakry | Republic of Guinea |
| 2018 | Athens | Greece |
| 2019 | Sharjah | UAE |
| 2020 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia |
| 2021 | Tbilisi | Georgia |
How to Contribute Towards the Observation of World Book and Copyright Day 2025
Following are the activities that can be followed throughout your life as reading a book is one gem of an activity that can be included in day to day life.
- Introduce books to children from childhood, that way their imaginative skills also will be developed.
- Enroll in online library as the current isolation period restricts you to visit a library
- Pass the old book to someone so that it can be read by many.
- Form a book club and daily assign books to the members to read. That way you can promote reading habits.
- Share or narrate the story of the book you read to others. That way you can develop your communication skills as well.
- Provide platform for young minds to write creatively buy allowing them to think and jot down their own words and sentences.
- Parents can read out loud at home with demonstrative narration thus making it interesting for children to listen. This way child will develop listening skills too.
- Set up a reading corner at home or work place with wide range of books that can keep you engaged during free time.
- Introduce character or book themed activities at school and home to help children understand the ideas and values shared through a good book
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Start Learning!World Book and Copyright Day Quiz 2025
Approximately how many languages are spoken worldwide today?
A) 4,000
B) 5,000
C) 7,000
A) India
B) Papua New Guinea
C) Indonesia
3. What is the most widely spoken language in Asia-Pacific?
A) Chinese
B) English
C) Hindi
A) 40%
B) 43%
C) 55%
5. How many out of the 7,097 living languages known do not have an established writing system?
A) Approximately 25%
B) Approximately 50%
C) Approximately 78%
A) Aldous Huxley
B) George Orwell
C) Ray Bradbury
A) The Epic of Gilgamesh
B) Don Quixote
C) The Tale of Genji
A) J.K. Rowling
B) J.R.R. Tolkien
C) Suzanne Collins
A) Gabriel García Márquez
B) Orhan Pamuk
C) Kazuo Ishiguro
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World Book and Copyright Day Quiz 2025 PDF
World Book and Copyright Day continues to be a vital platform for promoting the joy of reading, the value of authorship, and the importance of equitable access to knowledge. Through annual themes and global participation, UNESCO highlights how books can foster understanding, creativity, and empowerment across communities. Whether focusing on indigenous languages, mental well-being, or inclusive reading practices, each year’s message reinforces the role of books as essential tools for education and cultural exchange.
As we celebrate 2025 with the theme “Read Your Way,” the focus remains on embracing diverse reading preferences and promoting freedom of access. This inclusive approach not only encourages lifelong learning but also strengthens community bonds by respecting individual voices and stories. World Book and Copyright Day invites everyone—from educators and publishers to readers of all ages—to contribute to a world where reading is truly for all, in every form and every language.
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Book and Copyright Day?
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated annually on April 23 to promote books, reading, and copyright awareness. It encourages people to discover the power of literature and the importance of intellectual property rights. The day honors authors, publishers, and creators for their contributions to global culture. It also supports literacy and the freedom to access and share knowledge.
Why is April 23rd chosen for World Book and Copyright Day?
April 23rd was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the death of two famous authors, William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. Their works have had a significant impact on world literature and culture. The day also commemorates the birth and death dates of other notable literary figures. It highlights the ongoing relevance of their contributions to global literature.
How does World Book and Copyright Day support authors?
The day raises awareness of the challenges authors face, particularly with regard to copyright and intellectual property protection. It encourages respect for authors’ rights and promotes fair compensation for their work. Events and campaigns emphasize the importance of protecting creative works from piracy. This helps authors maintain control over how their works are distributed and enjoyed.
What activities take place on World Book and Copyright Day?
Activities include book fairs, author readings, literary workshops, and public library events. Schools and universities organize programs to encourage reading and promote literary discussions. Digital campaigns and online events also highlight the importance of copyright in the digital age. Various cultural institutions and organizations host events to celebrate books and authors.
How does World Book and Copyright Day promote reading?
The day encourages people of all ages to engage with books and explore different genres. It highlights the importance of reading for personal growth, education, and cultural enrichment. Schools, libraries, and communities host activities to inspire a love of reading. It also promotes the idea that books are essential tools for fostering empathy and understanding among people.
What is the role of UNESCO in World Book and Copyright Day?
UNESCO initiated World Book and Copyright Day to promote the value of literature and reading worldwide. It works with governments, organizations, and cultural institutions to raise awareness about the importance of books. The organization also emphasizes the role of books in fostering creativity and supporting lifelong learning. UNESCO helps coordinate global events and celebrations to mark the day.
How does World Book and Copyright Day contribute to education?
It supports educational initiatives that use books as tools for learning. The day encourages literacy programs, particularly in underserved communities. It promotes the idea that access to books is a fundamental right for all individuals. By advocating for educational equality, the day aims to bridge gaps in global literacy.
What impact does World Book and Copyright Day have on copyright laws?
World Book and Copyright Day raises awareness about the importance of copyright protection. It encourages individuals to respect intellectual property rights and avoid piracy. The day highlights how copyright laws protect authors and creators, ensuring they receive fair recognition and compensation. This helps maintain a balance between public access to knowledge and the rights of creators.
How can individuals participate in World Book and Copyright Day?
Individuals can participate by reading books, attending events, or sharing their favorite books on social media. They can also engage in discussions about the importance of copyright and intellectual property. Supporting local authors and independent bookstores is another way to contribute. Additionally, people can join literacy programs or volunteer at libraries to promote reading.
What is the significance of copyright in the book industry?
Copyright ensures that authors retain control over their works and are compensated for their creativity. It protects the economic interests of authors, publishers, and other stakeholders in the book industry. Copyright laws also regulate how books can be reproduced, distributed, and adapted. This ensures the longevity of literary works while encouraging further creativity.
