Today is World Book and Copyright Day.

UNESCO celebrates this day as a tribute to the power of books.

“Books are like a window to another world. With every new page, they introduce us to new people, new cultures, and new ideas,” writes UNESCO.

This date carries deep symbolism in world literature. It marks the death of several famous authors, including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.

Each year, as part of World Book and Copyright Day, UNESCO and international organizations choose a World Book Capital. These organizations represent the three main sectors of the book industry: publishers, booksellers, and libraries.

The selected city commits to promoting books and reading for all ages and across all sectors of society, both locally and beyond.

So far, UNESCO has named 25 World Book Capitals, from Madrid, Spain in 2001, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2025. This year, the Brazilian city is carrying out a project that shows how books can drive social change—through literacy, education, and poverty reduction—and bring long-term economic benefits.

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