Today, April 23rd 2020, is World Book and Copyright Day! This is a day celebrated by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO on April 23 every year, to promote the enjoyment of books and reading and recognize the scope of books – a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.
Each year [effective April 23], UNESCO selects the World Book Capital for a one-year period and this year, the city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia has been selected because of the strong focus on inclusive education, the development of a knowledge-based society and accessible reading for all parts of the city’s population; with the slogan “KL Baca – caring through reading”. Furthermore, numerous celebrations are held on this day around the world to commemorate this event. Including organized gatherings across literary communities and institutions, that would usually involve physical interaction. Due to the widespread COVID-19 virus and limit on physical interaction, technological solutions and recommendations have been deployed in honour of this, by UNESCO and relevant parties. These include:
1. A shared sense of connection via e-books
People spending time at home can download a good book through the internet and read positive books and gain knowledge. According to UNESCO, books are a window into the world during COVID-19. Therefore, the power of books should be leveraged to combat isolation, reinforce ties between people, expand our horizons, while stimulating our minds and creativity. It explains that by creating a sense of community through the shared readings and the shared knowledge, readers around the world can connect and mutually help curb loneliness.
2. The power of social media and hashtags
As UNESCO reiterates its stance for creativity, diversity and equal access to knowledge, it is inviting students, teachers, readers from around the world as well as the book industry and library services, to testify and express their love for reading and sharing this positive message with others through the hashtags #StayAtHome and #WorldBookDay.
3. Communication Toolkits
There are also materials available for download, for you to use to help engage all communities of readers, individuals and institutions. Whether you want to print and stick them on walls, share them on social media or publish on your website.
4. Deploying the use of popular video connection features such as IG Live
World Book and Copyright Day has become a platform to rally together millions of people all around the world. Perhaps it may be safe to now include, a digital platform, as renowned publishers HarperCollins India, will have a day-long Instagram Live Jam featuring its authors via its #lockdowndiaries.
Interesting facts about World Book and Copyright Day
- The first World Book Day was celebrated on 23 April in 1995 in the UNESCO’s General Conference held in Paris in 1995.
- 23 April is a symbolic date in world literature as it is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. This date was a natural choice for UNESCO’s General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books.
