WORLD BOOK AND COPYRIGHT DAY TO BE CELEBRATED 23 APRIL
Press Release
PI/937
WORLD BOOK AND COPYRIGHT DAY TO BE CELEBRATED 23 APRIL
19960422 The United Nations will join publishers and booksellers in celebrating World Book and Copyright Day on 23 April, with a variety of events at Headquarters intended to raise global consciousness about the important role books play and have played in societies the world over.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in November 1995, unanimously declared 23 April to be World Book and Copyright Day, giving international recognition to a tradition started by the Official Book Chamber in Catalonia, Spain, which began celebrating the day in 1923. The day was celebrated by the giving of books and roses, as such gifts represented beauty and culture, intelligence and love. A royal decree in 1993 proclaimed 23 April to be Book and Reading Day for the whole Spanish State.
In the spirit of the Catalonian tradition of books and roses, the United Nations Bookstore will hand out roses to the first 200 customers purchasing a book. In addition, special book signings will be held at the United Nations Bookstore throughout the day. Featured will be:
-- Douglas Hand, an Editor and Press Officer at the United Nations, who will sign copies of his book Gone Whaling, from 1 to 2 p.m.;
-- Stan Meilser, foreign affairs writer for the Los Angeles Times, who will sign copies of his book The United Nations: The First Fifty Years from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; and
-- Ian WIlliams, President, United Nations Correspondents Association, who will sign copies of his book The U.N. for Beginners.
A display in the United Nations Lobby will focus on some of the varied and important publications issued by the Organization and its agencies. Books no longer required by Dag Hammarskjold Library and bookmarks commemorating the day will be distributed free in the Lobby.
* *** *