Books are like windows onto another world, with each new page, they introduce us to new people, new cultures, and new ideas. Every year, on April 23, UNESCO celebrates World Book and Copyright Day in recognition of the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures.
As part of these celebrations, a World Book Capital is selected annually by UNESCO, together with international organizations representing the major sectors of the book industry, publishers, booksellers, and libraries. These cities promote books and reading for all age groups and across all of society, both within the host country and beyond. To date, 26 cities have been designated, from Madrid in 2001 to Rabat in 2026.
The history of World Book and Copyright Day serves as a tribute to the power of books and the rights of authors. Its origins go back to 1922, when Vicente Clavel Andrés proposed a day dedicated to books in honor of the novelist Miguel de Cervantes. The first celebration took place on October 7, 1926, coinciding with Cervantes’ birthday. Later, to commemorate the deaths of literary giants including Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, UNESCO designated April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day in 1995.
This day is marked by activities that promote reading and highlight the cultural importance of books, ranging from book donations and reading challenges to public readings and awareness of copyright laws. It is not just a celebration of books and authors, but also a reminder of the profound impact of literature on society.
Of particular interest to Catholics, April 23 is also the feast of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, Spain. Known locally as El Día de la Rosa (the Day of the Rose) and El Día del Libro (the Day of the Book), it is celebrated through the exchange of roses and books among loved ones and friends. Traditionally, men offered women roses, and women gave men a book, “a rose for love and a book forever.” In modern times, the exchange of books is mutual. This beautiful custom, originating in Spain, has helped inspire the global celebration of books.
Books are truly the light of knowledge. For Catholics, there is no better book to read than the Bible. It provides us with the Word of God, nourishes us for life’s journey, and serves as a lamp to our feet. While reading the entire Bible may seem daunting, one practical way to begin is through a Bible diary that offers the daily Mass readings. Reading these passages the day before, and again just before Mass, helps deepen understanding and internalize the message of the homily. Attending daily Mass, especially at the start of the day, further strengthens this experience, nourished by the Eucharist.
In addition, joining a Catholic Bible study group, led by a priest or a Church-recognized preacher, can greatly enrich one’s understanding of Scripture.
This knowledge of God can and must also be complemented by spiritual reading, including good Catholic magazines and spiritual classics. In Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic, Matthew Kelly notes that about 7 percent of Catholics are actively involved in 80 percent of parish life. He identifies four key traits: prayer, study, generosity, and evangelization. On study, he observes that reading just five pages a day can lead to the completion of 225 books over 20 years, an inspiring reminder of the power of steady reading.
Christian spiritual classics remain timeless. Many continue to inspire readers across generations. Works such as Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales can be revisited time and again. Today, the internet has made such treasures more accessible through platforms like the Christian Classics Ethereal Library, where readers can also find The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
In our fast-paced, always-connected world, one may wonder where to find the time to read. Yet, it is always possible to set aside a few minutes each day for spiritual reading. Try it, you will appreciate the knowledge it brings, illuminating the path toward God more clearly.
As Saint Isidore of Seville reminds us, “All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection.
