聯合國科教文組織在1972年向全世界發出“走向閱讀社會”的召喚，要求社會成員人人讀書，圖書成為生活的必需品，讀書成為每個人日常生活不可或缺的一部分。1995年，聯合國教科文組織宣布4月23日為“世界讀書日”。
UNESCO in 1972 to the whole world "to read the society" call, required reading for all members of society, books have become the necessities of life, reading has become an indispensable part of people's daily life. In 1995, UNESCO declared April 23rd as "World Book day".
這一天是作家塞萬提斯和英國著名作家莎士比亞的辭世紀念日。據資料表明，自“世界讀書日”宣布以來，已有超過100個國家和地區參與此項活動。在每年的4月23日，各國把讀書的宣傳活動變成一場熱熱鬧鬧的歡樂節慶。
This is a day of death of the writer Cervantes and the famous English writer Shakespeare Memorial day. According to the data show that, since the "world reading day" announced that participate in this activity, there have been more than 100 countries and regions. In April 23rd of each year, the school publicity activities into a bustling festival of joy.
1995年11月15日，聯合國教科文組織作出決議，將每年的4月23日定為“世界圖書和著作權日”(World Book and Copyright Day，也譯為“世界讀書日”、“世界書香日”)，這一天各地的書店都懸掛出醒目的慶祝標誌——本打開的書，中間是一顆心。巧合的是，4月23日也是英國著名作家塞萬提斯、莎士比亞、維加3位著名文學大師的辭世紀念日。
In November 15, 1995, UNESCO resolutions, to April 23rd of each year as "World Book and Copyright Day" (World Book and Copyright Day, also translated as "world reading day", "world reading day"), the day hanging out around the bookstore eye-catching signs -- Celebrating the open book, the middle is a heart. Coincidentally, died in April 23rd, is the famous English writer Cervantes, Shakespeare, and the 3 famous literary masters anniversary.
“世界讀書日”的目的是鼓勵人們尤其是年輕人發現讀書的樂趣，並以此對那些推動人類社會和文化進步的人們所做出的偉大貢獻表示感謝和尊重。
"World reading day" is to encourage people especially young people find the pleasure of reading, and on the great contribution to the promotion of human social and cultural progress of people made the gratitude and respect.