The Nordic Literature Week is a read-aloud event, where the same Nordic literature related to a chosen theme is read out loud at the same time across the Nordic and Baltic countries.
In November, when it is the darkest time in our countries, we light a candle and read a book. Reading in the candlelight is the basic idea of The Nordic Literature Week.
This year, on 15-21 November, Nordic Literature Week invites children and adults to read-aloud events with dreams and longing as the theme. Lithuanian libraries have been joining this reading promotion initiative for many years.
So, our Children literature department “Žalioji pelėda“ (Panevezys Elena Mezginaite Public Library)has been joining the Nordic Literature Week readings for a few years too.
Children gathered in the library with their teachers throughout the week. Here a literary of Nordic writers exhibition awaited them. They listened to a story about the Nordic countries. Later participants discussed Scandinavian flags and shared their memories and dreams.
This year, the selected books are from Aland to draw attention to the centenary celebrations of Aland’s self-government. So, the librarian told about Aland Islands and introduced the Pearl fisher by Karin Erlandsson.
More than 80 children attended the event, listening to read-aloud. The librarian said that other writers also write about dreams and longing as the theme. And read excerpts the Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, the Ella in Lapland by Timo Parvela, and the Moominpappa at Sea by Tove Jansson.
For a dream to come true, it must be written down or drawn. That’s what the kids did. We wish dreams come true!
Text by Anžela Vasiliauskienė ( Senior librarian )
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