April 23

Canada Book Day

Get ready to curl up with a good book on Canada Book Day - celebrate the literary contributions of our neighbors to the north!

Yearly Date

April 23

Observed in

Canada

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate literature and Canadian authors on Canada Book Day on April 23! This day was officially declared by the Government of Canada in 1997, with the goal of promoting and celebrating the rich culture of Canadian literature. It also coincides with UNESCO's World Book and Copyright Day. So why not take this opportunity to discover a new Canadian author or revisit an old favorite? From fiction to non-fiction, poetry to graphic novels, there is a wide range of genres and styles to explore. Let's honor the power of storytelling and support our local literary talents on this special day!

Canada Book Day Timeline

1996

UNESCO's World Book Day

UNESCO proclaimed April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day. It celebrates the contribution of books and authors to social and cultural progress.

1997

Government Officially Designates Date

The Canadian Government officially declared April 23 as Canada Book Day to celebrate Canadian literature and the contribution of authors.

2003

The Canada Council for the Arts Support

The Canada Council for the Arts began supporting Canada Book Day by funding various literary activities nationwide.

2010

Rise of Digital Publishing

With the increasing popularity of eBooks, Canada Book Day started emphasizing digital literature and Canadian online publishing platforms.

2014

Celebration and Promotion Efforts

Efforts were intensified to promote Canadian literary works internationally, tying Canada Book Day celebrations with global literature events.

2020

Virtual Celebrations

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations for Canada Book Day moved online, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of Canadian literary community.

How to Celebrate Canada Book Day

1 Host a book swap

Invite friends and family to bring their favorite Canadian books to swap with others. This is a great way to discover new authors and stories while celebrating Canada Book Day.

2 Attend a book reading/signing by a Canadian author

Support local authors by attending a book reading or signing event. You can even purchase a signed copy of their book as a souvenir of Canada Book Day.

3 Create a Canadian-themed book club

Gather a group of friends and choose a Canadian author or book to discuss every month. You can also incorporate Canadian snacks and drinks into your meetings for an extra touch of celebration.

4 Visit a local bookstore

Spend the day browsing and supporting your local bookstore. You can also ask for recommendations on Canadian books to read in honor of Canada Book Day.

5 Host a book-themed dinner party

Choose a Canadian book or author as the theme for your dinner party and create dishes inspired by the story. This is a fun and creative way to celebrate Canada Book Day with friends and family.

Why We Love Canada Book Day

It celebrates Canadian literature

Canada Book Day is a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diverse and talented authors that come from Canada. It's a day to promote the reading and appreciation of Canadian literature and all the stories it has to tell.

Supports local bookstores and businesses

On Canada Book Day, many bookstores offer special promotions or events to celebrate. This is a great way to support your local booksellers and contribute to your community by encouraging literacy and book culture.

Encourages reading and learning

Canada Book Day is all about promoting reading and learning in a fun and engaging way. Whether it's discovering new Canadian authors or revisiting old favorites, this day provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in literature and expand your knowledge.