World Book Day in the Netherlands

By Pranita A. Deshpande

The Hague, Netherlands: World Book Day was declared by UNESCO as a day to pay attention to the reading of books, but World Book Day was also declared on the issue of literacy in areas where good books could not be read and made available to all. This day is celebrated on 23rd April every year. World Book Day was designated in collaboration with the UNESCO Center in the Netherlands and the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris Reed to Grow.

On November 15, 1930, Dag Van Hate Boke (Book Day) was organized to protect books from new media such as radio and cinema. Written by Johan Tersteeg, The book De uitgever en zijn bedrijf was published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Nederlandsche Uitgeversbond. Publishers, booksellers, and others willing to support the book organized the event to promote Dutch literature.

In the Netherlands, Bokenvik (English: Book Week) is a ten-day annual “week” dedicated to Dutch literature. It is held in March every year since 1932. Each has a Bokenweek theme. Bokenweek is started by Boikenball (Book Ball), which is attended by literary and publishers. Events are held across the country during Bokenweek, such as book signing sessions, literary festivals, and debates.

Each year a nominated author, usually Dutch or Flemish, is asked to write a book, usually, a novel, called Boekenweekgeschenk (Book Week Gift), which is given at the festival.

Every year, elementary school students in Scotland and international and secondary schools in the Netherlands collect a large number of books during World Book Day Action, which is held around World Book Day each year.

There is also an award per year, known as the World Book Day Award, given to the school with the most collected books per student.

Indeed, books are the true companions of our lives. The rich thoughts in the books have a positive effect on our lives. Due to the lockdown, people have no choice but to stay at home. So this is a great opportunity to pursue your hobby. Also, links to good quality books and online books are available through social media. So keep reading and stay positive. Happy World Book Day to all! ”