Since 1995, UNESCO has designated April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day, also known as "International Reading Day", hoping to encourage the whole world, especially young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and pay tribute to those who have made irreplaceable contributions to the cultural progress of human society.

April 23rd is of special significance in the field of world literature, because Shakespeare, Cervantes and garcilaso de la vega all died on April 23rd of 16 16. In addition, many famous writers, such as Maurice Druon, Vladimir Bona and Manuel Meguia Valle Huo Dou, were born or died on April 23rd.

The establishment of World Reading Day was proposed by Spain and inspired by the "St. George's Day" in Catalonia. On this day, this area has the custom of sending roses and books to relatives and friends.

From 200 1, a city was awarded the title of "Book Capital of the World" by UNESCO from April 23rd to April 23rd of the following year. The purpose of selecting "World Book Capital" is to promote book publishing and public interest in reading.

The cities that have been elected as "World Book Capital" over the years include Madrid (Spain, 200 1), Alexandria (Egypt, 2002), New Delhi (India, 2003), Antwerp (Belgium, 2004), Montreal (Canada, 2005) and Turin (Italy, 2005). Amsterdam, the Netherlands, was named "Book Capital of the World" in 2008.