World Book and Copyright Day 2027
A UNESCO day celebrating books and reading, authors and publishers, and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.
Quick facts
- Date
- April 23
- Day of the week
- Friday in 2027
- Type
- International
- Observed in
- Global
- First observed
- 1995
- Established by
- UNESCO General Conference
- Led by
- UNESCO
- Also known as
- World Book Day
- Hashtag
- #WorldBookDay
Overview
World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 to promote reading, publishing and copyright. Each year UNESCO names a World Book Capital city, which runs a year of reading programmes starting on this date.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, World Book Day is celebrated on a Thursday in early March so that it falls in the school term.
History
UNESCO's General Conference chose April 23 in 1995. The date has literary meaning: Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died in 1616 on or around April 23. It also builds on the Catalan tradition of Sant Jordi (Saint George's Day), when people exchange books and roses.
- 1616Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega die around April 23.
- 1995UNESCO proclaims World Book and Copyright Day.
- 2001Madrid becomes the first World Book Capital.
How to celebrate
Start a new book
Pick up a book you have been meaning to read.
Gift a book
Give a book to a child, a friend or a community library.
Join a book club
Discuss a book with others — or start your own club.
Support authors
Buy from local bookshops and respect copyright.
Traditions and customs
Catalonia, Spain
On Sant Jordi, people exchange books and red roses, and Barcelona's streets fill with book stalls.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Schoolchildren dress as book characters and receive a token to spend on a book.
Quotes
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.
Wishes and messages
Greeting card
A 1080 × 1080 image, ready for WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
Social media captions
Currently reading… 📖 #WorldBookDay
One more chapter. Always one more chapter.
Books are passports to everywhere.
World Book and Copyright Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 23 | Thursday | Passed |
| 2027 | April 23 | Friday | 171 |
| 2028 | April 23 | Sunday | 537 |
| 2029 | April 23 | Monday | 902 |
| 2030 | April 23 | Tuesday | 1,267 |
| 2031 | April 23 | Wednesday | 1,632 |
Frequently asked questions
When is World Book Day?
UNESCO's World Book and Copyright Day is on April 23. The UK and Ireland hold their World Book Day on a Thursday in early March.
Why April 23?
Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died around April 23, 1616.
What is the World Book Capital?
A city chosen by UNESCO to promote books and reading for one year, starting on April 23.
Last updated November 2, 2026