World Book Day is a celebration of reading each year on April 23rd, book fans worldwide gather to honour World Book Day, a day focused on the joy of reading, the influence of books, and the importance of being able to read. This global celebration reminds us of how much literature affects our lives. World Book Day is especially important because it remembers the passing of two big writers, William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, on April 23rd, 1616 (though, this date is discusses and depends on the calendars). Their writing has had a huge impact on the world, and this day pays respect to their contributions while supporting reading and learning worldwide. Here are some usual practices and events linked to this bookish holiday:
Many schools, libraries and community centres hold book exchange events where people can trade books they have already read for other ones, thereby encouraging a culture of sharing and exploration.
Author Readings and Talks: Authors usually take part in readings of their works, book signings as well as talks at bookstores and libraries, thereby giving readers an opportunity to relate directly with the writers of their favourite publications.
Literary Festivals: Cities throughout the globe arrange literary festivals together with book fairs featuring reading of new releases, discussing panels, workshops or live performances to honour different forms of literature.
Reading Challenges: Book clubs, school systems or even online communities may stage reading challenges or read-a-thons which compel participants to come up with reading targets as well as venture into different fields or authors’ works.
Charity Initiatives: On World Book Day many organisations use this chance to promote literacy while giving away books to underprivileged areas thus spreading the joy of reading among those often with limited access to it.
Dress-Up Day: In certain places such as schools both children and adults dress up in costumes representing characters from their best-loved books, which adds a playful touch to the event making it fun-filled and imaginative.
World Book Day reminds us how storytelling can inspire all walks of life regardless background. The written word is praised as it nudges us to explore new worlds in literature and value literacy as an aspect that sculpts our lives and societies into what they are. Are you curling up with a classic novel, going for a book event, or just spreading the love of reading to others? Then World Book Day gives us a chance to revel in the magic of books and the timeless art of storytelling. So let’s pick up a book, get lost in its pages and be part of the global celebration on World Book Day!
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Warm wishes,
Loreta, OLS Community Manager – Croatian