In October 2018 the IPA entered a partnership with the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), signing a memorandum of understanding in Frankfurt. The agreement set out ways the IPA and IBBY will work together to further develop the IPA’s literacy work, including through the joint promotion of International Children’s Book Day each April.
It is a logical partnership since literacy, IBBY’s core mission, and its work to help young people access books and develop a love of reading reinforce the foundations of the publishing industry. In addition, IBBY will use its wide network of 79 national sections to support the freedom to publish and the rights of authors and illustrators to freedom of expression and fair remuneration through copyright.
The joint celebration and promotion of International Children’s Book Day during the month of April will further both organizations’ work towards reading promotion.