World Book Day 2026 – 5 March
This year's World Book Day takes place on Thursday, March 5
World Book Day is celebrated by 100 countries all over the world. Unesco - a worldwide organisation that encourages people to enjoy art and culture - choose it as a special day to celebrate reading. Unesco organised the first ever World Book Day on 23 April 1995.
In the UK, World Book Day is celebrated on the first Thursday in March. This is because the official date for it - 23 April - usually falls during the Easter Holidays for most UK schools.
Across the country, readers come together to share their love of books and reading. Thousands of children in the UK will join in the celebrations by dressing up as their favorite book characters, as well as reading and talking about their favourite books.
This year’s theme, “Go All In,” encourages everyone to dive deeper into their interests through reading. As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, it’s the perfect moment to discover new titles and revisit old favourites.
Visit www.worldbookday.com for more information.