World Book Day Apr. 23, 2024

In the heart of Ireland, amidst the storied halls of the Library of Trinity College Dublin, scrolls and tomes whisper tales of long-gone eras. Today, these silent storytellers shine for World Book Day. Established by UNESCO in 1995, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of reading, publishing and copyright. But why April 23? It marks the shared death anniversary of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and several other literary greats. From book signing event around Canada, to the distribution of book vouchers to kids in many countries around the world, this day comes alive with the rustle of turning pages. Interestingly, each year, UNESCO crowns one city as the "World Book Capital." The chosen city then carries out activities aimed at promoting reading for the awarded year; this year it is Strasbourg, France. So, have you picked out a book to read yet?

© Lukas Bischoff/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A book lover’s paradise
Apr. 23, 2025Shakespeare Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Feb. 29, 2024Leap Day
What returned to this city 500 years ago?
Celebrating the Scottish bard
Single file, now!
Dec. 30, 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
Sep. 7, 2024Annas hummingbird
Oct. 23, 2023Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Jul. 19, 2025Jacksons Point Lighthouse on Lake Simcoe, Ontario
Blue hues and ceramic scenes of Porto
Aug. 8, 2025The Three Musketeers Falls at Iguazú Falls, Argentina
A glimpse of Yoho National Park
Strong sibling bonds
Jun. 3, 2025World Bicycle Day
Past below, future ahead
Mar. 15, 2024Abbotsford, British Columbia
A pair of high achievers
Dec. 31, 2025New Years Eve
Feb. 9, 2026Amur leopard cat, Russia
Apr. 24, 2024The white trilliums in Ontario, Canada
Staying in the loop
Dec. 3, 2024Amber Fort, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dec. 27, 2025Plate ice along Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Minnesota, United States
Oct. 11, 2025World Migratory Bird Day
Jan. 9, 2025Sossusvlei sand dunes, Namib desert, Namibia
Sep. 26, 2024Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
Feb. 13, 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
How sweet to be a star, floating in the blue.
A delightfully ornate Easter display
May 12, 2024Mothers Day
Dec. 8, 2024Notre-Dame reopens