Let’s celebrate World Book Day

Let’s celebrate World Book Day

Books take centre stage come April 23 as the world celebrates World Book Day.

The Embassy of Spain, Instituto Cervantes, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and MPH Bookstores are joining hands once again to highlight this special day with activities planned throughout the month.

There will be drawing competition, quiz, uninterrupted reading with participants across the globe, and storytelling from string-a-story.

More information about these activities can be obtained from MPH Bookstores April event leaflet, or simply log on to www.mphclick.com.

All activities are open to public, both young and old, and would serve as a great opportunity for all book lovers to come together.

As part of its continued efforts to encourage reading, MPH Bookstores will be having an exclusive World Book Day Members’ Weekend with 20%* discount off on all books *(terms and conditions apply).

The offer is valid from April 21 to 24. A limited edition World Book Day 2011 bookmark will also be given out to customers with any purchase at selected major MPH outlets throughout the month of April (while stocks last).

The origins of April 23 dates back to 1923 when booksellers in Spain took to the streets to honour the passing of Miguel de Cervantes.

Later on, the practice of man giving a rose to a lady in exchange for a book became part of the tradition.

Another famous author, William Shakespeare is said to have passed on on this date but this holds true only in the Julian Calendar, which was the calendar England was using at that time.

In 1995, Unesco officially declared April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day to promote reading, publishing and copyright.

~News courtesy of The Star~