(literary blog)

Fellow bibliophiles and champions of creativity! At last we were celebrating World Book and Copyright Day – a holiday that smelled of fresh ink, rustling pages, the magic of storytelling, and the vital shield of authors’ rights. Instead of the usual dive into our own libraries, I proposed that we should unfurl our bookish sails that time towards unconventional adventures that our talent-rich Ukraine generously offered literature enthusiasts and those who brought these stories to life. And most importantly – without breaking that student budget!

Let’s forget about lavish presentations and expensive tickets. The true celebration of books and authorship lies in sincere connection, the exchange of thoughts, the discovery of new voices, and a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into every page. Taking into account the pluses and minuses of this glorious bookworm fest, for our next World Book and Copyright Day I struck a pinch of my own ideas. So where will we venture on this special day?

Ideas for Budget-Friendly Literary & Copyright-Aware Journeys:

• “Living Libraries” & Author Appreciation: Organize or attend a “living library” event, but with a twist! Encourage “human books” to share not only their stories but also their experiences with creative ownership and the importance of respecting their work. This fosters a direct connection with creators and highlights the significance of copyright.
• Book & Creative Commons Exchange: Building on the book “flea market” idea, encouraging participants to bring and discuss works licensed under Creative Commons. This introduces the concept of open access and alternative models of copyright, sparking conversations about different ways creators share their work.
• Open-Air Poetry Slams & Spoken Word on Intellectual Property: Host an open-air poetry slam, but include a special segment where participants can share poems or spoken word pieces inspired by the concept of authorship, intellectual property, or the fight against plagiarism. This blends creative expression with copyright awareness.
• Literary City ‘Wanderings’ & Author Homages: During your literary city walk, pause at significant locations and not only read excerpts but also share brief anecdotes about the authors connected to those places and the struggles they might have faced regarding their rights. This adds a layer of appreciation for the creators behind the stories.
• Online Reading & ‘Fair Use’ Debates: In your online book club, dedicate a session to discussing the concept of “fair use” or “fair dealing” in copyright. Choose a short story or essay and collaboratively analyze what constitutes an acceptable use for educational or personal purposes, fostering a nuanced understanding of authors’ rights and limitations.
• ‘Copyright Confessions’ Creative Challenge: Launch a social media challenge where participants share (anonymously if preferred) their past misunderstandings or mistakes regarding copyright (e.g., sharing without permission) and what they’ve learned. This creates a lighthearted yet educational conversation around respecting creators’ rights.

So, April 23rd was not just a date on the calendar, but a wonderful opportunity to plunge into the world of literature and authorship in a new way, discover unexplored formats, and cultivate a deeper respect for the creators who enrich our lives. That day became an inspiration for me and all my friends, a new acquaintance with an interesting book or creator, or an unforgettable meeting with a person’s story and the understanding of their right to that story. I am glad that we unfurled our bookish and creator-conscious sails together! Let`s think together about how to streamline it together in a year!