The World Book Day, April 23, was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading since 1995. This year, the Hong Kong Public Libraries has organized various activities to promote the World Book Day and reading among the youth. Let's have a look:

* Readers will be given a souvenir when they check out books from the Hong Kong Public Libraries system on the World Book Day.

* The Libraries has also launched the "4．23 Reading Book Reports Competition" for primary and secondary schools. Students of the participating schools can submit book reviews within the defined word limit on any books of their own choice. Winning students will be invited to attend the prize-presentation ceremony to be held on April 23 at the Hong Kong Central Library.

* A tie-in programme "Meet-the-author: Ching Yeung, Russell" will also be arranged on April 27 at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library. The America- based Chinese writer will share with readers her English writing experience and her awards-winning novels First Apple, Water Ghost, Lichee Tree and Child Bride.

Why April 23 is chosen as the World Book Day?

April 23 is chosen because this is a special day in the literature arena. Both William Shakespeare, the great poet and dramatist, and Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of Don Quixote, coincidentally, died on 23 April 1616. In fact, Shakespeare was born on 23 April 1564.