The World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated since 23rd April 1995 on a worldwide basis. Since 2003, the National Library has taken the initiative to celebrate the World Book Day on a national basis in Mauritius. In collaboration with several stakeholders such as libraries, booksellers, printers, writers, cultural organizations, Municipalities, Embassies, Ministries, etc. a series of activities are organized to pay tribute to books and authors and to encourage everyone to discover the pleasure of reading. One of the main objectives of this celebration is to make books available to the general public at discounted prices, thus inspire children and adults to read. Several activities are organised during the Festival, among others, exhibitions, quizzes, dictation, drawing competitions, poem recitals and spelling contests.