talbotlucas.org: a word to the wise is sufficient

When searching for a good paella recipe last year I learned that many countries honor books and reading on 23 April, and in some countries it's known as the "Day of the Book." In Spain, particularly in Catalonia, the day serves to honor writers such as Cervantes and William Shakespeare (because it's the anniversary of their reported birth/death), and reading and writing generally.

In many countries the day is marked by activities that encourage people to read and to discover new books, and to patronize libraries. In Spain, many schools invite writers to come to the classroom to discuss their work; in Madrid, politicians, artists, and other celebrities turn out for El Circulo de Bellas Artes during which guests read selections from Don Quixote over a continuous 48-hour period.

Catalonia, recognized by some as the place where this literary-minded tradition began, marks the day (also the feast day of its patron saint, St. George) with exchanges of books and roses.

In 1995, UNESCO adopted this Spanish/Catalan tradition and named 23 April as "World Book and Copyright Day." UNESCO's historical role in publishing is a large one: at the 1952 Universal Copyright Convention, a conference organized by UNESCO in Geneva, the universal copyright symbol (©) was adopted. UNESCO continues to encourage book and literacy-related events on this date--the suggestions on their site are wide-ranging.

With all that said...other countries celebrate reading on other days, and in other ways. In the UK and Ireland, World Book Day was celebrated on 6 March this year.

Although many citites orchestrate events throughout the year celebrating the written word with book fairs and other events (I'm thinking of the recent city-wide readings and related events to celebrate To Kill a Mockingbird, My Antonia and other classics) I think 23 April is the perfect day for individuals to celebrate: to make a dinner at home, open a bottle of wine, and spend an hour after dinner reading something new. Or perhaps a book you've been meaning to start, but haven't found the time. Or...revisiting a classic.

I plan to post links and other related suggestions from now until the 23rd. If this is an idea that speaks to you, we'd love to hear what you decide to do to join in the celebration.