World book and copyright day

A range of activities to promote reading and the cultural aspects of books were held all over the world. Many of these activities emphasized international cooperation or friendships between countries. Events included: relay readings of books and plays; the distribution of bookmarks; the announcement of the winners of literary competitions; and actions to promote the […]

A range of activities to promote reading and the cultural aspects of books were held all over the world. Many of these activities emphasized international cooperation or friendships between countries. Events included: relay readings of books and plays; the distribution of bookmarks; the announcement of the winners of literary competitions; and actions to promote the understanding of laws on copyright and the protection of authors’ intellectual property.
In some years, the Children’s and Young People’s Literature in the Service of Tolerance is awarded. This is a prize for novels, collections of short stories or picture books that promote tolerance, peace, mutual understanding and respect for other peoples and cultures. There are two categories: one for books aimed at children aged up to 12 years; and one for those aged 13 to 18 years.
According to UNESCO the world book day is a symbolic date for world literature. It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
The choice of the city of Port Harcourt for this year was “on account of the quality of its programme, particularly its focus on youth and the impact it will have on improving Nigeria’s culture of books, reading, writing and publishing to improve literacy rates,” according to UNESCO selection Committee.
In a remark to make this year’s day, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said the power of books to advance individual fulfillment and to create social change is unequalled, saying that intimate and yet deeply social, books provide far-reaching forms of dialogue between individuals, within communities and across time.
“In all of this, our goal is clear – to encourage authors and artists and to ensure that more women and men benefit from literacy and accessible formats, because books are our most powerful forces of poverty eradication and peace building’’ she said.