World Book Day is today
- April 23 is World Book Day, observed globally as a celebration of books, reading, and imagination. - UNESCO-designated Rabat is this year's World Book Capital, linking the observance to literacy initiatives. - Outlets emphasized honoring literary figures and encouraging readers of all ages to explore books today. ( )
World Book and Copyright Day is being marked on Wednesday, April 23, with UNESCO tying this year’s observance to Rabat’s start as World Book Capital 2026. (unesco.org) UNESCO says the annual observance falls every April 23 and was created to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. The agency says celebrations take place worldwide on that date. (unesco.org) The date was chosen by UNESCO’s General Conference in Paris in 1995 because April 23 is linked to the deaths of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. UNESCO says the first official celebration followed in 1996. (unesco.org) Rabat’s year as World Book Capital begins on April 23, 2026, under a UNESCO program that asks one city each year to organize book and reading activities across age groups. Rabat is the 26th city to hold the title since the program began in 2001. (unesco.org) UNESCO selected Rabat in October 2024 after a recommendation from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee. The agency cited the Moroccan capital’s plans to expand literacy, especially in underserved communities, and to support women and young readers. (unesco.org) UNESCO says Rabat has 54 publishing houses, a growing number of bookstores and Africa’s third-largest international book and publishing fair. The International Publishers Association repeated those figures when it announced the 2026 designation. (unesco.org; internationalpublishers.org) The observance also puts copyright alongside reading. UNESCO says the day is meant to honor authors and defend creativity, diversity and access to knowledge through books, publishing and libraries. (unesco.org) This year’s marker lands as Rio de Janeiro hands off the World Book Capital role to Rabat, extending a one-city-at-a-time chain that most recently included Strasbourg in 2024 and Rio in 2025. UNESCO says the Rabat program will run for a full year from April 23, 2026. (unesco.org) The annual message is simple but concrete: April 23 is not just a tribute to famous writers from 1616, but the opening day for Rabat’s yearlong literacy and book-access campaign in 2026. (unesco.org; unesco.org)
