A Multilingual Tradition

Faculty and students celebrate World Book Day with a continuous reading of 'Don Quixote' in multiple languages

by Lauren Davidson

April 23 is designated by UNESCO as World Book Day to honor and promote the value of reading, publishing and copyright. The day is commemorated in a variety of ways around the globe: There are book fairs in Frankfurt and Hong Kong and panel discussions and lectures in New Delhi and Quebec. Taking its cue from the many Spanish-speaking countries that recognize Día del Libro with a two-day read-a-thon, the Department of Spanish & Portuguese organized a continuous reading of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in Bosler Hall and in the Waidner-Spahr Library, students and faculty members read aloud from the work in several languages.

View a Facebook album of photos from the event.

Published April 23, 2014