A celebration of books: World Book and Copyright Day

24. 4. 2026

Government Communication Office

World Book and Copyright Day has been celebrated on 23 April since 1995. It is dedicated to promoting reading, while also encouraging people, especially young people, to discover the pleasures of reading and to develop respect for the works of authors who have contributed to the cultural progress of humanity.

The Slovenian Book Days got under way in Ljubljana on 23 April, with the central theme Words for the Future (Besede za prihodnost). The opening took place in the Knights' Hall of Križanke, which will also host the programme events, while the fair will be held in the Devil's Courtyard, one of the most picturesque parts of the Križanke complex, where 32 publishing houses will present their offerings.

At the initiative of the Ljubljana UNESCO City of Literature Office, twelve bookshops have joined forces this year for the initiative Festival of Bookshops, opening their doors to the diverse, vibrant and often overlooked spaces of bookshops across the city. On World Book and Copyright Day, participating bookshops will extend their opening hours and organise guided visits, events and gatherings.

Throughout April, events have also been taking place as part of Book Night, reaching their culmination on World Book and Copyright Day.