Celebrate the power of reading: World Book Day 2025

Books have the extraordinary power to educate, inspire, and connect people across cultures and generations. Whether you’re a devoted bibliophile or someone who wants to start reading more, World Book Day is the perfect moment to rediscover the magic of the written word.

What is World Book Day

World Book Day is a global celebration of books, authors, and reading. First organized by UNESCO in 1995, this day was established to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. It’s a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of books in our lives — not just as sources of knowledge, but as companions, teachers, and gateways to different worlds.

Beyond the celebrations, the day carries a powerful message: books are tools of empowerment. They support education, reduce inequality, and foster empathy by offering insight into lives and perspectives different from our own. Whether it’s a classic novel, a children’s picture book, or a modern-day memoir, each story adds something valuable to the fabric of our shared humanity.

When World Book Day is celebrated

Officially, World Book Day is celebrated each year on April 23, chosen in honor of several legendary authors who either died or were born around that date, including William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.

However, it’s important to note that in the United Kingdom and Ireland, World Book Day is observed on the first Thursday of March to better align with school schedules and national campaigns. This variation can sometimes cause confusion about the actual date, but both versions share the same mission: to celebrate and encourage reading.

Why you should pay attention to this holiday

Even if you don’t consider yourself a passionate reader, World Book Day is a great opportunity to rethink your relationship with books. It’s not about reading the longest or most prestigious works — it’s about finding stories that resonate with you and reconnecting with the joy of reading, one page at a time.

• For casual readers: Use the day to explore new genres or authors you’ve never tried before. You might discover a new favorite or rekindle your love for reading.
• For avid readers: Take time to reflect on what you’ve read, reorganize your bookshelf, and plan your future reading list. Maybe even revisit a classic you haven’t read in years.
• For parents: Inspire your children by reading together, visiting a bookstore, or letting them choose their next read. Creating a reading ritual at home can shape a child’s future relationship with books.
• For aspiring writers: This day is a golden opportunity to start writing your own stories, polish your skills, or explore career opportunities in writing and editing. Sharing your voice might be the next step in someone else’s inspiration journey.

7 ideas to make the most of World Book Day

If you’re wondering how to celebrate World Book Day 2025, here are some practical and meaningful ways to get involved — whether solo or with family and friends.

Visit a bookstore or library

There’s something special about wandering through shelves, flipping through pages, and discovering unexpected gems. Local bookstores and libraries often host events, readings, and discounts on this day, so be sure to check what’s happening near you. This is also a great way to support small businesses and realities in your neighbourhood!

Start a reading journal

A reading journal helps you track books you’ve read, jot down your thoughts, and note quotes or ideas that inspire you. It’s a fun and reflective habit that can enhance your reading experience over time.

Plan your reading list

Have a pile of “to-be-read” books waiting? Make World Book Day the moment you finally organize them. Whether it’s through a digital app, a spreadsheet, or just a notebook, curating your personal reading roadmap is both satisfying and motivating.

Declutter your bookshelf

Take some time to sort through your physical bookshelves. Organize your favorites, and make space for new arrivals. If you find books you no longer need, consider donating them.

Donate books to those in need

Give your unused books a new home by donating them to local schools, shelters, or community centers. Your gift might spark someone else’s love for reading.

Choose and install an eBook reading app

Prefer digital reading? A dedicated eBook reader can make your reading more comfortable and enjoyable. Check out ONLYOFFICE’s free eBook reader for an elegant and cross-platform experience with customizable settings.

Organize a book-themed event

World Book Day is also a chance to bring your community together. Organize a virtual book club meeting, host a reading marathon, or plan a costume contest where kids dress as their favorite characters. If you’re part of a workplace, school, or library, consider running a book exchange or writing competition. These events create connections around reading and make the day even more memorable.

Try your hand at writing

World Book Day is also for creators. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a writer — whether professionally or just for fun — now is a great time to start. You can:

• Explore AI-powered writing tools to overcome writer’s block.
• Learn how to write an essay or a full book.
• Start drafting with a professional document editor that supports all major formats.
• Consider contributing to the ONLYOFFICE blog.
• Save your documents in EPUB format for future publishing using this guide.
• Learn how to create an ebook with ONLYOFFICE.
• Or even organize your texts using ONLYOFFICE DocSpace for easy collaboration and content sharing.

Don’t forget to credit your sources properly — this short guide on how to create a bibliography might come in handy!

Discover more

To learn more about this international celebration and how it’s supported globally, visit the official World Book and Copyright Day page on UNESCO.

And wherever you are in your reading or writing journey, let World Book Day 2025 be your inspiration to turn a new page — literally and figuratively.

Conclusion

In a world dominated by fast-paced media and short-form content, books offer something irreplaceable — time to reflect, imagine, and grow. World Book Day 2025 is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the stories that shape us, the voices that move us, and the words that stay with us long after we’ve turned the last page.

So whether you’re picking up a beloved classic, starting a new novel, or writing the first sentence of your own story, let this day be a celebration of your journey with books. Because every great adventure begins with a single sentence — and maybe, today is the perfect day to write or read yours.