More than ever, at a time where most of the schools around the world are closed and people are having to limit to spent their time outside, the power of books should be leveraged to combat isolation, reinforce ties between people, expand our horizons, while stimulating our minds and creativity.
During the month of April and all year round, it is critical to take the time to read on your own or with your children. It is a time to celebrate the importance of reading, foster children’s growth as readers and promote a lifelong love of literature and integration into the world of work.
Through reading and the celebration of World Book and Copyright Day, 23 April, we can open ourselves to others despite distance, and we can travel thanks to imagination. From April 1st to 23rd, UNESCO will share quotes, poems and messages to symbolize the power of books and encourage reading as much as possible. By creating a sense of community through the shared readings and the shared knowledge, readers around the world can connect and mutually help curb loneliness.
In such circumstances, we invite students, teachers, readers from around the world as well as the book industry and library services to testify and express their love for reading. We encourage you to share this positive message with others through #StayAtHome(link is external) and #WorldBookDay(link is external).
There are also materials for you to use to help engage all communities of readers, individuals and institutions. Whether you want to print and stick them on walls, share them on social media or publish on your website, it helps a lot! Download our communication toolkit here(link is external).
The more people we can reach, the more people may be helped.
Source: UNESCO
