The Kranj City Library is encouraging people to read in many different ways through a number of projects. Among other things, we are currently working on a new series of bibliotherapy sessions, which will take place in September as part of a project “LOE – Libraries of Emotions”. Moreover, a unique, physical library of emotions will be launched soon. We can hardly wait for our readers to browse what will be a little nook stocked with over 250 new, carefully selected titles. What is more, a new digital platform will also be launched soon. And yet these are only but a few ways in which we promote reading.
For years, we have been hosting over 20 reading groups not only in the City Municipality of Kranj but also in the broader area of the Gorenjska region. These groups are moderated by more than 20 trained volunteers and professional librarians. Their goal is to promote reading habits, foster interest in new books, nurture knowledge and preservation of cultural heritage and folk lore, as well as develop critical reading skills, facilitate debates about the books read, and encourage intergenerational solidarity. Above all, the groups are a haven for people who like to read and enjoy discussing what they had read. Our project named “Modro brati in kramljati” (To read and to talk with the wise) received the International Literacy Association Award for Innovative Reading Promotion in Europe 2015.
This year, we have invited our readers to delve into Slovenian authors in a project named “Beremo prešerno” (Reading with Joy). Participants had to read seven books, each a different genre: from novels to travel books, poetry, short stories, essays, memoires and journals, as well as a title printed after 2021. Participants are encouraged to copy from the books passages they believe will attract others to read the book, and are also awarded symbolic gifts.
But there is even more. One of our most prominent reading promotion projects is “Družinsko branje” (Family Reading). Its seventh season is coming to an end this year. At first the project aimed to promote reading among families with children aged between two and eight, but later it was expanded to up to 12 years of age. Primarily, the project aims to promote reading within the family with multiple generations taking part, encourage visits to the library, socialising and discussing books. The key here is to have a variety of good books to choose from, so we have drawn up lists of children’s titles for two different age groups, as well as a list of expert books about reading, literacy and leisure time activities for parents. Little booklets are available in our libraries, while families can also take part online via our dedicated children’s portal dubbed “Modri pes” (Wise Dog). Children ages eight and over fill in coupons, answer questions and rate the titles, while older children write their opinions about the books they had read. Those who fulfil the number of tasks required for their age group also receive an award.
These are only a few of our best known reading promotion project of the past years, and there are many more: from advisory lists, to riddles, quizzes and reading sessions for children, as well as many more. Now this abundant set of activities will be made even richer by the Libraries of Emotions project, kicking off in this month. Of course we will write more about this in the near future!