Celebrated every year on 23 April, World Book Day is the perfect opportunity to bring young and old together around the pleasure of reading. The date was not chosen at random, but to pay tribute to major literary figures such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.
Libraries play a crucial role in promoting reading by providing spaces for discovery and sharing for all. It also commemorates authors such as Josep Pla and Vladimir Nabokov. Initiated by UNESCO to promote reading, the Day also pays tribute to copyright and authors’ rights. The reason for selecting this date is its symbolic importance in relation to world literature. The Day has its roots in historical and cultural traditions, emphasising that the book is a gift that enriches the learning experience. It marks the passing of famous writers and is linked to significant historical and cultural events. It also coincides with St George’s Day and is supported by UNESCO. Copyright protection is essential to encourage literary creation and protect authors’ works. UNESCO plays a key role in institutionalising this day, encouraging the recognition and promotion of world literature.
Whether you are a librarian, a member of a cultural association, a parent or simply a literature enthusiast, you can create a memorable event without being a professional organiser. You can organise a variety of activities and competitions to celebrate the day. Blogs are also a great resource for recommending age-appropriate books and engaging the community.
And what better way to engage your audience than with a series of participatory activities that are fun, accessible and meaningful? You can also include exhibitions, forums and debates to enrich the experience.
Reading, creating, imagining… Here are 5 ideas for simple workshops to bring books to life in a different way and breathe a breath of creativity into your World Book Day. And don’t forget to use blogs, social networks and the media to share your initiatives and engage your community.
Summary
1. A ‘collective writing’ workshop to unleash the imagination
One of the most spontaneous workshops to propose is that of bringing together ideas and imaginations through collective writing. It can be organised around a theme (travel, mystery, a character, an era, etc.) or be completely free. However, it is important to note the challenges that authors can face, such as piracy and lack of access to reading material, which require greater awareness to protect copyright. Copyright protection is essential to ensure fair remuneration for creators and to promote culture. In addition, copyright protection plays a crucial role in promoting creative freedom, allowing authors to freely explore their ideas and enriching cultural diversity.
The principle: each participant writes down a piece of the story before handing it over to the person next to them, who continues the story in their own way. Storytelling is essential for getting young people interested in reading, awakening their imagination and enabling them to explore different worlds, cultures and emotions. Reading plays a crucial role in children’s cognitive and emotional development from early childhood. It’s important to promote reading in children from an early age, as it helps develop memory, comprehension and concentration. This workshop encourages understanding between participants through the exchange of ideas. At the end, we read the result together… often funny, surprising, sometimes poetic.
- A few starting instructions
- paper and pens
- a sympathetic facilitator to provide a framework
Ideal for a mixed or intergenerational audience.
2. A bookmark-making workshop
Simple, friendly and customisable, the bookmark-making workshop appeals to children and adults alike. Blogs can provide ideas for creating bookmarks. Establishments such as libraries and bookshops play a crucial role in promoting reading and can organise events to raise public awareness of literature. Everyone can take home a unique creation and keep a little souvenir of the event. This workshop is an ideal activity for the whole family.
It’s also a great way to mix the world of books with that of the visual arts: painting, collage, origami, calligraphic quotes, decorating with recycled materials… The possibilities are endless.
📌 Tip: suggest a theme (famous book covers, author portraits, fantastic animals…) or leave participants free to invent their own universe.
3. A read-aloud session…
There’s nothing like reading aloud to broaden your horizons and make the words vibrate while capturing your attention. To take it a step further, turn it into an interactive experience:
- Let the audience choose the next part of the story
- Ask questions between chapters
- Have the participants read certain passages
Reading aloud also allows you to explore different literary worlds, fostering empathy and understanding of other cultures. It allows you to discover different worlds from around the world, enriching the reading experience. It is crucial to encourage this practice from an early age, as it contributes to children’s personal and academic development. What’s more, reading plays an essential role in improving well-being, helping to overcome emotional challenges and promoting personal balance.
This works particularly well with children’s books, classic tales or thrillers.
You don’t need any special equipment, just good diction, a bit of stagecraft and the desire to share.
4. An ‘author portrait’ workshop for a different kind of discovery
If you want to combine culture and participation, offer an author discovery workshop. The idea is that each participant (or small group) chooses a writer to introduce to the others. For example, Miguel de Cervantes, whose importance in world literature is undeniable, could be an excellent choice. Similarly, William Shakespeare, with his profound influence on literature, is a key figure. This workshop also provides an opportunity to discover different cultures through the works of writers, underlining the importance of these literary figures in promoting reading. It is also essential to discover the history of authors to better understand their works and their impact. World Book Day, for example, has its origins in literary traditions and significant events, underlining its symbolic importance and UNESCO’s role in institutionalising it.
Books play a crucial role in understanding the issues facing our society, enriching our perspective and empathy. Economic and cultural issues, such as the vitality and economic attractiveness of Strasbourg’s book industry, are also highlighted through initiatives such as the creation of a grant for young talent. At the end of the workshop, the participants share anecdotes about their lives, read an excerpt or present a small design. Reading encourages tolerance and respect for differences, contributing to an environment of respect and peace.
- some documentation available
- a presentation table
- some text extracts and a space for free expression
It’s an educational and dynamic format, ideal for all ages. This workshop is aimed at all generations, bringing together different perspectives and experiences.
5. An ephemeral, participatory bookbox
Why not make World Book Day a time for sharing? Libraries can also organise temporary book boxes to mark the occasion. You can also set up a reading corner at home to encourage family reading. And don’t forget the importance of bookshops, which take their books out into the streets to celebrate the occasion and offer advice on choosing books suitable for all ages. A special edition of World Book Capital events, such as the ‘Reading Our World’ initiative, can include workshops, exhibitions and meetings to promote reading and culture. Cities such as Strasbourg, designated World Book Capital, demonstrate the importance of such initiatives. Disseminating culture and knowledge through books is essential to promoting reading and learning. Spreading culture and knowledge through books is essential to promote reading and respect for copyright. Set up an ephemeral book box: everyone comes with a book they have enjoyed and can leave with another in exchange. A varied programme of events can also be organised to enhance this initiative.
To make the experience even more convivial, a writing workshop can be organised in different neighbourhoods to strengthen social ties. The importance of literary events in promoting culture in the city cannot be underestimated. Every year, UNESCO designates cities as World Book Capitals, committed to promoting culture and reading through various programmes and initiatives. UNESCO’s role is crucial in promoting reading and cultural commitment. Participants write down a few words about their book to pass on a memory, a memorable phrase or a piece of reading advice.
- Encourages links between participants
- Keeps the event alive beyond the day
- Can be adapted to all types of venue
📌 Tip: pack a few spare books in case some visitors come empty-handed.
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