World Book Day (or World Book and Copyright Day) is a celebration of creativity, literacy and authorship in the light of books. Since 1995, book lovers around the world unite every April 23 to promote reading among people of all ages and to recognize important contributions to social and cultural progress of humanity in the form of books. For the past 13 years, UNESCO has nominated a city as World Book Capital to foster and bring attention to local organizations representing writers, publishers, booksellers and librarians. UNESCO chose Montreal in 2005 as a "tribute of the quality of its editorial production and the dynamism of all those who are involved in the book industry."

The date is also symbolic because it commemorates two great authors who died on this date in 1616: William Shakespeare (1564-1616) and Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616). Shakespeare and Cervantes are intrinsically associated with their books, as if their words in print become extensions and physical evidence of the authors' minds and lives. Plenty of scholars have turned into detectives in search of Shakespeare's "true words," while Don Quixote's reading madness continue to inspire generations of readers and critics around the world. On the recent passing of another prominent literary figure, one reader from Mexico commented: "Gabriel García Márquez leaves us with life because he left behind his books." Such ideas of books as keepers of knowledge and life are central to today's international celebrations of the printed word. Books make our lives better and for that reason we should praise those creative forces behind them.

The librarians, archivists and staff at the Fisher Library are fortunate to take part in this celebration as we contribute daily to preserve and make accessible the legacy of authors, artists and creators who gave life to our collections. Below we feature some images of books from our collections, along with accompanying quotes from their author, to commomerate the spirit of World Book Day.

World Book Day (April 23)