The National Library of South Africa (NLSA), in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, Iziko Museums of South Africa, and Book Dash, hosted a collaborative public programme to commemorate World Book and Copyright Day on Thursday, 23 April 2026 at the NLSA Centre for the Book in Cape Town. The event celebration was held under the theme: “Read: Make Your Star Shine.”

World Book and Copyright Day is observed globally each year on 23 April, following its proclamation by UNESCO in 1995. The day celebrates books and authors, promotes a culture of reading, supports the publishing industry, and underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property through copyright.

This year’s programme brought together learners, educators, authors, publishers, librarians, and members of the public to celebrate the transformative power of books and storytelling. This initiative was aimed at fostering a vibrant reading culture and to encourage learners and communities to embrace reading as a pathway to knowledge, creativity, and personal empowerment.

In his welcome address, Mr Siya Masuku, NLSA board member, emphasised the importance of partnerships in promoting reading and literacy, he further outlined the purpose of celebrating World Book and Copyright Day. “Today is not only about celebrating books; it is also about celebrating the people who create them, preserve them, and place them in the hands of readers. We honour our authors, illustrators, publishers, teachers, librarians, and parents who continue to inspire a love of reading in our communities”.

As part of the day’s activities, the NLSA and its partners held a flag-hoisting ceremony and conducted a book donation drive at Cape Town High School, further supporting access to reading materials and promoting literacy among young people.