The book is a monumental achievement in human culture. The history of books and libraries in every nation helps to illuminate their national progress and cultural identity. Books play a crucial role in enhancing reading culture and elevating the intellectual standard of society.

Many countries around the world celebrate various holidays related to books. One of these holidays is Book Lovers Day on August 9th. Originally celebrated unofficially as a national holiday in the United States, it quickly gained popularity worldwide and became an international celebration. Despite its global recognition, the origin and creator of Book Lovers Day remain unknown. The significance of this holiday lies in encouraging book lovers and attracting readers.

One way individuals gain knowledge in society is through the accumulation of information. Books serve as a crucial tool in acquiring this knowledge. Throughout history, from ancient civilizations to the present day, individuals have continuously sought efficient and time-saving ways to access books. The evolution of writing systems, printing materials, and the creation of manuscript books originated in the East. However, as the demand for books grew and time changed, manuscript books were no longer keeping up with readers' needs.  During the 8th-11th centuries in Korea, China, and Japan, woodblock printing (xylography) and moveable type printing marked the initial advancements in printing technology. While mechanical printing methods emerged later in Europe, it was from this region that mass book publishing proliferated globally. In the 1440s, German inventor Johann Gutenberg pioneered book printing in Mainz. His invention quickly spread to neighboring countries such as Italy, Switzerland, France, Poland, Spain, Czechia, England, and others, leading to the beginning of book printing in 1460-1470. Over time, printing technology has advanced and diversified. In the 1790s, German A. Senefelder introduced lithography, and in 1867, Russian P.P. Knyagininsky developed the first automatic type-setting machine. Text for printing was input using a keyboard, similar to a typewriter, allowing for precise word and line spacing. Assembling fonts on a linotype significantly increased printing speed. Today, printing has reached new heights and evolved into an industry known as printing.

Azerbaijan has a long history of rich libraries dating back to ancient times. Books have been instrumental in collecting and preserving the valuable historical, cultural, literary, artistic, and scientific heritage of the Azerbaijani people, enhancing the society’s intellectual and spiritual growth. The first lithography machine in Azerbaijan, where manuscript book culture held a special place, was established in Tabriz in the early 19th century. The first publications in this printing house founded by Mirza Zain Al Abedin Tabrizi were printed in 1819. Towards the late 19th century, the number of printing houses and printed books in Northern Azerbaijan saw a rapid increase.

During its 23-month existence, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic state in the Muslim East, prioritized press and book printing along with other sectors. In 1919, the parliament debated the press law proposed by the national government, and numerous books were published at the government printing house during the Democratic Republic's tenure.

Despite numerous political and ideological restrictions during the Soviet era, the books of our prominent writers, thinkers, classics, well-known writers and poets of the time, and scholars were published and distributed in large numbers not in our republic only but also throughout the Union. Azerbaijani authors' works were translated into foreign languages and gained international recognition in the global literary community.

After the collapse of the USSR, the cultural infrastructure in all the Union republics, including book publishing, experienced a decline. But with independence came new opportunities for the field, as the private sector was given a significant role in the market. The newfound independence also allowed for greater recognition and promotion of Azerbaijani literature and culture, alongside global experiences.

Azerbaijan now boasts modern printing facilities with advanced capabilities and the latest technologies, putting them on par with renowned European printing houses. Azerbaijan places great emphasis on international exhibitions, cultural days, and global cultural events, as well as promoting our books as part of our cultural heritage, both domestically and internationally. These exhibitions showcase stunning publications representing various aspects of contemporary Azerbaijani scientific, artistic, and social thought. The popularity of the Azerbaijan exposition at these events is evidence of its success, drawing in a steady stream of visitors. Additionally, the annual Baku International Book Fair held at the Baku Expo Center aims to foster a reading culture within the community. It serves as a space for writers and readers to connect, facilitates networking opportunities between authors and publishers, boosts the book industry, showcases modern literature and authors to exhibition attendees, and enhances the knowledge and skills of aspiring writers. 

The appreciation for books as a cultural treasure in countries worldwide, including independent Azerbaijan, has led to numerous book holidays that eventually gained international recognition and became national celebrations. These holidays serve as promoters of intercultural communication among global communities and contribute to the growth of people's intellect.

Recommended literature:

1. Abasova, Leyla Qabil qızı. Azərbaycan kitab tarixi: [monoqrafiya] /L. Abbasova ; elmi red.: K. Aslan, Ə. Bayramov. Hissə 1. - Bakı: Təhsil, 2024. - 318 s.
2. Allahverdiyev, Bayram Vəli oğlu. Ümumi kitab tarixi: "Kitabxanaşünaslıq və biblioqrafiya", "Nəşriyyat işi və redaktəetmə" ixtisasları üzrə tədris-metodik vəsait /B.V. Allahverdiyev ; elmi red. İ. Ö.Vəliyev. - Bакı: Azərbaycan Milli Ensiklopediyası, 2003. - 384 s.
3. lk Azərbaycan kitabı/tərtibçi. A. Xəlilov; məsləhətçi. N. Həsənzadə; elmi red.Ə.Mirənmədov; rəssam N.Rəhimov; İngilis dilinə tərcümə edəni.V.Qəmbərov. - Bakı: Şərq-Qərb, 1995. - 48 s.
4. Həsənov, Hacı Balay oğlu. Azərbaycan kitabının inkişaf mərhələləri /H. B. Həsənov; rəy verən.M. A. Mahmudov, T. Ə. Əhmədov. - Bakı: Azərnəşr, 1989. - 253 s.
5. Эггер, Эмиль. История книги: от ее появления до наших времен : пер. с французского /Э. Эггер. - Санкт-Петербург: [типография И. М. Комелова], 1900. - 242 с.