- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- BooksCanadianEducational
- Where:
- Canada
- Date change rule:
- Every April 15–21
- Holiday emoji:
- 📚
Canada Book Week, observed annually from April 15 to 21, champions literacy and the vibrant world of Canadian literature. This week encourages everyone to pick up a book, explore new authors, and support the nation’s rich literary heritage. Dive into a new genre, visit your local library, or discover a Canadian classic.
Want to sponsor Canada Book Week? Learn how
Expected Canada Book Week Deals
As a `Cause` holiday, Canada Book Week focuses on awareness and engagement rather than commercial deals. However, many independent bookstores and national retailers like Indigo Books & Music often run special promotions on Canadian titles, host author events, or offer discounts on reading accessories throughout the week. Literary organizations such as the Canadian Children’s Book Centre and the Writers’ Trust of Canada often promote fundraising drives for literacy programs and emerging authors. Publishers like Penguin Random House Canada may highlight their Canadian imprints. Look for opportunities to donate to literacy initiatives or participate in community reading challenges. We will update this page with confirmed live events and initiatives as April 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for Canada Book Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CanadaBookWeek. Share photos of your favorite Canadian books or reading nooks.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CanadaBookWeek. Join discussions on Canadian authors, literary events, and the importance of reading.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CanadaBookWeek. Share community reading challenges or local library events.
Canada Book Week Hero
Margaret Atwood
History of Canada Book Week
Books, as we know them today, are primarily a result of the evolution of the printing press, which was made famous by the Gutenberg Bible. However, books were uniquely handcrafted before that era, with each page personalized through special design features. Each part of the book was analyzed in detail to reveal its purpose, history, ideologies, and philosophies of the era it was written. Furthermore, the book was also examined to determine whether it had readers who interacted with its content. The books were so well packaged that most of the information required of the book beyond the content was evident from the preservation of the books.
The history of books comprises the development of writing and various other inventions such as paper and printing, as well as the modern-day business of book printing. The earliest societally acknowledged history of books predates the conventional idea of books as known today. It begins with tablets, scrolls, and sheets of papyrus. (The presently recognized format of books, with separate sheets fastened together, is called a “codex”, the plural form of which is “codices”).
Then, with the advancement of time came the hand-bound, decorated manuscripts appearing in codex form, eventually giving way to press-printed volumes and, later, the mass-printed volumes as we have them today. Along with these developments came the accessibility of books to people living with disabilities through audiobooks and Braille. The history of books gained ground as an academic discipline during the 1980s. The fundamental purpose of the history of books is to demonstrate and portray the book as an object, not just the text contained within it, as a conduit of interaction between readers and the book’s content.
Canada Book Week timeline
The Diamond Sutra, the world’s oldest printed book, is printed.
The British writer and publisher, credited with popularizing the printing press in England, is born.
The famous Gutenberg Bible, a Latin Bible, gets printed.
The famous British publishing company, Macmillan Publishers, is established.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Canada Book Week
Local businesses can honor Canada Book Week by partnering with independent bookstores or libraries to host reading events or author talks. Cafes might offer special discounts to customers who bring in a Canadian book, while community centers could organize book drives for local schools or literacy programs. Retailers can curate displays featuring Canadian authors or themes, encouraging discovery and supporting the national literary scene. Emphasize community engagement and the shared love of reading.
Canada Book Week FAQs
When is Canada Book Week?
In 2027, Canada Book Week will be observed from Thursday, April 15, through Wednesday, April 21. It’s a consistent annual event that encourages Canadians to engage with books and support their country’s authors.
What is the goal of Canada Book Week?
Canada Book Week aims to raise awareness about Canadian authors and publishers, encouraging citizens to explore the diverse stories and voices that shape the nation’s literary landscape. It’s a call to action to support the local book industry and literacy initiatives.
How many Canadians read regularly?
Reading habits in Canada remain robust, with a substantial number of adults and children regularly consuming books in various formats. This consistent engagement supports a thriving literary community and reinforces the value of initiatives like Canada Book Week.
Is Canada Book Week related to World Book Day?
Canada Book Week precedes Canada Book Day, which aligns with the global celebration of World Book Day. This strategic scheduling ensures that Canada’s national literary efforts are part of a broader, worldwide movement to promote books and reading culture.
Canada Book Week Activities
Read a book!
The best way to celebrate Canada Book Week is to read a book! There are so many interesting books available to pick from.
Gift someone a book
Be thoughtful and give someone a book. Not only is doing so a beautiful thing, but it also makes Canada Book Week even more special.
Share on Social Media
Share what you’re reading on social media using the #CanadaBookWeek hashtag. Encourage others to also share their current reading list.
5 Important Facts About Books
Millions of books have been published
Throughout the history of book publishing, over 130 million books have been published so far.
The world’s most sold book
The Bible is the most sold book in the world, with an estimated five billion copies sold to date.
The world's most expensive book
The most expensive book in the world is the Codex Leicester, which was Leonardo da Vinci’s science diary. It sold for 30.8 million dollars in 1994.
The world’s longest book
The longest book in the world, according to the Guinness World Records, is the book titled “The Remembrance Of Things Past”, which contains over nine million characters.
The printing press is invented
Johannes Gutenberg is the man to thank for books as we know them today.
Why We Love Canada Book Week
It’s a great time to read!
Canada Book Week is a great time to read (even if one wasn’t already an avid reader). Reading books can be quite an experience.
It’s an opportunity to share
Canada Book Week also allows us to share with those around us by gifting a book to someone. Reading is an important practice to follow.
Books make us smarter
Well, what can we say? Reading books makes us smarter because you learn and are better informed every time you read something new.
Canada Book Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | April 15–21 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 15–21 | Saturday–Friday |
| 2029 | April 15–21 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | April 15–21 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2031 | April 15–21 | Tuesday–Monday |
Social Media Tips for Canada Book Week
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