World Book and Copyright Day in the United States

History:

World Book and Copyright Day, also known as International Book Day, is observed annually on April 23. The date was chosen by UNESCO in 1995 to honor books and authors, encouraging everyone to discover the pleasure of reading. April 23 is a symbolic date for literature as it marks the anniversary of the deaths of several prominent authors, including William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.

Traditions:

In the United States, while there are no widespread public holidays or traditions associated with this day, various organizations, libraries, schools, and bookstores may celebrate with their own events. Activities typically include:

• Reading Events: Encouraging children and adults alike to engage in reading through organized events.
• Author Appearances: Arranging for authors to give readings or talks about their work.
• Book Promotions: Offering special deals on books or highlighting bestsellers and literary classics.
• Educational Programs: Schools may organize activities related to books and copyright awareness.

What People Do:

On World Book and Copyright Day in the U.S., individuals might:

• Participate in book club discussions.
• Donate books to libraries or charities.
• Share recommendations for favorite reads on social media.
• Support local bookstores by purchasing books.
• Engage with various online campaigns promoting literature.

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of copyright laws in protecting the intellectual property rights of authors and encouraging creativity and diversity in the arts.