A thematic exhibition "Book and Copyright in the Modern World" dedicated to World Book and Copyright Day is open in the Documents of International Organizations Reading Room (207g) from April 20 to May 23.
This Day was proclaimed at the 28th session of UNESCO on 15 November 1995 (resolution 28 C/3.18) and is celebrated annually on 23 April since 1996.
This year, World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated for the 25th time. The day made a large number of people belonging to different cultures and continents befriend books.
The purpose of the World Book and Copyright Day is to draw the attention of both government authorities and the general public to books as sources of knowledge, means of expression and communication, which remain the basis of active education and critical thinking, despite the rapid development of more complex sources of information. The Day also emphasizes the importance of the role of books and copyright in promoting a culture of peace, tolerance and intercultural dialogue. Thanks to the book, people have access to knowledge, ideas, cultural and moral values, to understanding the beauty and creative achievements of a person. The carrier of information, the basis of education and creativity, the book gives each culture an opportunity to tell the world about it, introduces the customs and traditions of different peoples. The book is a window into the world of cultural diversity, a bridge connecting different civilizations in time and space.
This Day draws public attention to a variety of aspects of human activity related to the book – artisitc, publishing, regulatory, political. The number of events and initiatives timed to coincide with this day is growing, and their geography is expanding. Among the most popular are book fairs and exhibitions, public readings of world classics of literature and various cultural and entertainment events.
There is another interesting tradition connected with this day. Every April 23, since 2001, one of the world's cities has been awarded the honorary title of the World Book Capital for exactly one year. The assignment of this title is a testament to the desire of cities to promote the development of book publishing and reading, as well as cooperation between the main partners in the book publishing business. The city, named the World Book Capital is committed to promoting books and reading and implementing a programme of activities within one year. This year, Tbilisi, which became the 21st World Book Capital, has been awarded this title. The program of the holiday will be held under the slogan "Ok. So your next book is…?" and will focus on using modern technology as tools to promote reading among young people, as well as among readers with limited access to books.
The development of the book business is inseparable from copyright, without which the book will not find its rightful place. Copyright is moral and material protection of products of mind their creators. It provides a legal framework that contributes to the creation of favorable conditions for the development of the book business and the protection of intellectual works and their creators.
The exhibition presents more than 100 documents in Russian, Belarusian, English and German. Among them are books, brochures, periodicals, and booklets.
The following thematic sections are on display:
- The book and its role in society
- Book culture
- Copyright
- International conventions, treaties and agreements on copyright and book publishing
- Copyright protection, book and bublishing industry in Belarus
The exhibition will be interesting for journalists, publishers, librarians, authors, book workers, as well as lawyers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in publishing, protection and copyright issues.
Related links:
World Book and Copyright Day (UN)
World Book and Copyright Day (UNESCO)
Resolution 3.18 of the 28th session of UNESCO on the proclamation of the Day
Universal Copyright Convention
The opening hours of the exhibition correspond to the library’s opening hours.
Admission is by the library card or by the Social and Cultural Centre ticket.
For more info: (+375 17) 293 27 34.
Official Documents Service Department
