World Book Day

World Book Day: April 23, 2025

World Book Day, celebrated annually on April 23rd, is a global event recognized by UNESCO to promote the joy of reading. It highlights the importance of literature in fostering a lifelong love of books, especially among children and young adults. The day celebrates the contributions of authors, publishers, and other literary professionals, and encourages readers of all ages to explore new books and genres. It also serves to improve literacy and make books accessible to those in need. Note that this global event differs from World Book Day observed in the UK and Ireland on the first Thursday of March.

History of World Book Day

Proposed at the UNESCO General Conference in Paris in 1995, World Book Day was established to honor the literary legacies of notable authors like Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Vladimir Nabokov, all of whom share an April 23rd birth or death date. Since its inception on April 23, 1995, World Book Day has been celebrated annually, though some countries may choose alternative dates.

The Importance of Celebrating World Book Day

Reading enriches lives, offering numerous benefits such as enhanced vocabulary, increased focus, stress reduction, and a broader worldview. For children, it sparks imagination, builds empathy, and exposes them to diverse perspectives. World Book Day emphasizes these benefits, aiming to make reading enjoyable and accessible to all, particularly disadvantaged youth. The global celebration encourages reading as a means to improve lives and futures.

Top Bestsellers of All Time

1. The Coran – The best-selling book ever, with billions of copies in various languages.
2. “Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-tung” – Approximately 800 million copies sold.
3. “Don Quixote” – Miguel de Cervantes’ classic, with over 500 million copies sold.
4. “The Lord of the Rings” – J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy series, selling over 150 million copies.
5. “The Little Prince” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved children’s book, with over 140 million copies sold.

How to Participate in World Book Day

Events for World Book Day are typically organized by libraries, schools, and various community groups. Activities may include public readings, author Q&A sessions, writing contests, and book giveaways. In the U.S., Kensington, Maryland hosts a street festival on the closest Sunday to April 23. Celebrate by visiting your local library or bookstore, exploring new books, or sharing your favorite reads with children. Donations to libraries can also help ensure books are accessible to all.