Every year, UNESCO invites the international community to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day on 23 April. This day recognises books as a “link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures” and calls for celebrations of the power and joy of books.

On this day, UNESCO recognises the various stakeholders that make up the book sector – authors, publishers, booksellers, and libraries.

World Book and Copyright Day 2023

In 2023, World Book and Copyright Day will link the power of literature and storytelling with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-32) with the theme: Indigenous Languages.

The International Decade of Indigenous Languages launched in 2022 with the goal of promoting and protecting Indigenous languages and improving the lives of their users. Libraries can play an important role in meeting the objectives of this decade.

Libraries can be spaces for engaging communities, listening and working together to preserve and provide access to Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture in a culturally appropriate and community-determined way.

World Book and Copyright Day 2023 is a moment to share stories, amplify good practice, and kick off a discussion on how access to various forms of literature, including oral traditions, can help protect Indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge systems.

Get involved!

How does your library celebrate World Book and Copyright Day? Does your library work to protect and revitalise Indigenous languages? Share your stories in the lead-up to 23 April!

On social media, tag your posts #WorldBookDay and #IndigenousLanguages to join the global conversation.

Visit the website of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to find out more about the action plan for the decade and ways you can get involved.

Contact: Claire.mcguire@ifla.org