The first Book and Copyright Day was celebrated by UNESCO in 1995, since that, the day is growing from year to year.
Every year, the major sectors in relation to books, publishers, booksellers and libraries choose the World Book Capital City for the periode of one year. This year the capital is Sharjah because of the cultural diversity and the community-focused activity programme. Under the slogan „Read- you are in Sharjah“, the programm includes a lot of workshops, a conference about the freedome of speech, a contest and so one.
So fare so good, but why is that an important day? Why should we celebrate it?
„Books are are the intersection of the most essential human freedoms, primarily freedom of expression and freedom to publish. These are fragile freedoms.“
- Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
As Audrey Azoulay said, we have to take care about that essential freedoms, we have to protect them with all we have. And to focus that, we celebrate this specific day.
Books can spread knowledge, joy and exitement. They are important, not only for entertainment, but also for the science.
Books carry humanety on, let´s protect them.
By: Lioba Einhoff