ULAN BATOR, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Mongolians started to celebrate the World Book Day from Friday nationwide, sponsored by the minister of education, culture, science and sports of Mongolia.

The ministry made a decision to mark the World Book Day nationwide on April 20-25, with an aim to promote reading.

During these days, all libraries are operating with special plans and the city libraries are offering library cards free of charge.

Sales of signed books, book exhibitions and discussions are also to take place.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated April 23 as World Book Day in 1995 to pay tribute to books and authors and to encourage people to discover the pleasure of reading.