Category: Event

EURead Annual General Meeting 2026

Posted on by EURead

EURead is pleased to announce its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), dedicated this year to a theme at the heart of our mission and work across Europe: The Right to Read.

This year we will be meeting in Stockholm, Sweden as our AGM is being hosted by the Bonnier Family Foundation and co-hosted by the Swedish Arts Council. The venues are Swedish Arts Council on day 1 and the Bonnier Publishing House on day 2.

Since 2012 we have stated that ‘Across Europe, more than 73 million adults struggle with low literacy, and 1 in 4 students does not reach basic proficiency in reading,’ based on a Maastricht University publication. In 2026, based on more recent OECD PIAAC data (2025) we still have to conclude that that 20-25% of European adults have low functional literacy. With a total EU population of 500 million, the 73 million number was a conservative estimate at the time.

These realities underscore an urgent truth: reading is not merely a skill — it is a fundamental human right, essential for personal development, democratic participation, social mobility, and a thriving society. In our 2024 Statement on Reading and Literacy, EURead members collectively called on European leaders to recognise reading and critical literacy as foundational for democracy, wellbeing, and economic resilience. The 2025 EURead publication Reading: The Hidden Infrastructure of European Competitiveness calls for recognition of the profound connection between reading, functional literacy, and human development from the earliest years of life is key to unlocking Europe’s potential.

This year’s AGM will again bring together our members to:

  • reaffirm The Right to Read as a universal human right
  • discuss strategies for guaranteeing equitable access to books, libraries, and reading promotion programmes
  • share successful initiatives and research on literacy, early reading, and critical reading in democratic societies

EURead continues to serve as a European platform where members collectively develop approaches to secure a future in which every child, young person, and adult has full access to reading and literacy.

Almost all of our member member organisations will be participating. Partners and stakeholders committed to literacy, democracy, and equitable access are invited to contact us if they would like to join us at this important gathering.

Let us stand together to ensure that the right to read is protected, promoted, and fulfilled — for everyone, everywhere in Europe.

EURead Annual General Meeting 2026 – Draft Agenda
27th May, 2026 (Wednesday) – Annual General Meeting, Day 1
Arts Council, Swedish Filmhouse, Stockholm
9.30 – 10.00Registration
10.00 – 11.00Opening Ceremony of the Annual General Meeting
 Moderator: Valentina Stoeva – Chair of EURead
 – Annika Wäppling Korzinek, European Commission, Head of Representation in Sweden,
 – Lovisa Fhager Logothetis; Bonnier Family Foundation (host of the AGM2026)
 – Klara Tomson, General Director, Swedish Arts Council (co-host of the AGM 2026)
 – Parisa Liljestrand, Minister of Culture, Sweden
 – Elaina Ryan, co-chair of EURead
11.00 – 11.15Short break
11.15 – 12.00Moderator: Diana Gerald – co-chair of EURead
 Hanna Nordell, Managing Director of PEN Sweden 
 Mats Malm, Permanent Secretary Swedish Academy 
 Fabian Paagman, President of EIBF 
12.00 – 13.00Lunch at Swedish Filmhouse 
12.50 – 13.00Photo 
AGM – Open Program 
 Swedish Arts Council 
13.00 – 13.15Opening Speech by Valentina Stoeva, Chair of EURead 
13.15 – 14.15 Swedish Arts Council Showcases, including BookStart, GN Update and ALMA
14.15 – 14.45Coffee Break 
14.45 – 15.45Break Out Sessions 
Session A Live Literature Workshop by Agnes Török, Children’s Laureate of Sweden
Session BSchool Library Act 
15.45 – 16.00Reflections on Day 1 
18.00 – 20.00Official Dinner
 
28th May, 2026 (Thursday) – Annual General Meeting, Day 2
Bonnier Publishing House, Room Selma
09.00 – 09.10Warm-up
09.10 – 10.30General Assembly – Members Only
Moderator: Diana Gerald – co-chair of EURead
 Reports on finances, communications etc.
10.30 – 10.45Short Break
10.45 – 12.15The Future of EURead
12.15 – 13.15LUNCH / CEO LUNCH
13.15 – 14.15Break Out Sessions 
Session CFunding EU Projects, Read for Real, Reading Coalition  
14.15 – 14.45Short Break
14.45 – 15.30The Right to Read 
15.30 – 16.00Members’ Reflections on the AGM and Closing from the Board

Join us for the pan-European celebration this fall!

Posted on by EURead

17-09-2025 [PRESS RELEASE]

An open invitation to celebrate the European Authors Day.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – this is the call for everyone to join in a shared celebration of reading and human creativity. The special multilingual website www.readforreal.eu is inviting authors, bookstores and publishers, schools and kindergartens, libraries and cultural centers, businesses and local authorities, non-profits and parents – essentially, everyone – to take part.

#ReadForReal is an international project carried out by a consortium of 7 organizations from 5 countries. The great European celebration of literature and creativity will take place every year from November 11 to December 12. Author cross-borders tours will connect writers with readers in 43 Creative Europe countries. Organizers encourage everyone to co-create this unique celebration. Anyone can get involved – by organizing their own event or reading project, participating locally, joining the book challenge, and much more. A wide range of downloadable and printable materials are available: logos, event plans, posters, bookmarks and team challenges.

So far, 27 countries have joined the preparations for the pan-European celebration. In each country a designated organization will act as national hub, responding to inquiries in their national language, supporting the organization of local events, and providing printed welcome materials for schools, libraries, bookstores, businesses or municipalities that sign up as event organizers. Contact details to all national coordinators are available for all interested parties on www.readforreal.eu.

Why get involved?

#ReadForReal: Stay connected!

The program highlights the importance of direct engagement with literature – experiencing it live, and authentically – through meeting with authors. This is especially vital in today’s world, overwhelmed by the addictive power of apps yet craving genuine human connection, as well as in the face of troubling declines in critical thinking skills.

#ReadForReal: Take the lead!

The free materials available provide wide opportunities for creativity, and initiative – giving event organizers the tools to become influential leaders within their communities.

#ReadForReal: Invest in the future.

75 million adults in Europe lack sufficient reading comprehension skills. Many are excluded from economic and social life – a tremendous loss for individuals, communities, and democracies as a whole. Each of us can help change this reality within our own communities.

#ReadForReal: Meet a superhero.

Creativity is one of the defining traits of humanity. It enables us to generate new ideas, solutions, products, and systems. Book creators – writers, illustrators, graphic designers and translators – embody this essence of humanity. Their creativity inspires thought, change, and progress. Meeting a creator, in this sense, is like meeting a superhero.

Who’s behind it?

The European Authors Day celebrations under the banner #ReadForReal are organized by a consortium led by the Universal Reading Foundation (Poland), in partnership with the National Library of Poland, Stiftung Lesen (Germany), Ciclic Centre-Val de Loire (France), Chetene (Bulgaria), and two international organizations: the Federation of European Publishers and EURead. The project is co-founded by Creative Europe.

The consortium will build on the work carried out to date within Creative Europe in the previous editions of the European Authors Day in 2023 and 2024, focusing on three key pillars:

· the annual European Authors Day within the #ReadForReal campaign,

· recurring workshops supporting professionals and reading promotion networks,

· and yearly international conferences providing space for reflection and building change.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” as Gandhi famously said, aptly captures the goal we aim to achieve together with hundreds of thousands of teachers, librarians, booksellers, and creators across Europe. We are all a part of this mission – everyone has a potential to make a meaningful impact. Our dream is for everyone to feel invited to join and contribute, so we all, across Europe, apart from different countries, languages, culture and backgrounds, can enjoy the process of co-creating #ReadForReal and celebrate reading.”– the consortium members conclude.

Join us today and make a difference in your community!

www.readforreal.com

www.readforreal.eu

Instagram: @read.forreal

Facebook: READ. for Real

Europe really needs reading – so Read. For Real!

Posted on by EURead

This year’s European Authors Day will offer celebrations across Europe thanks to the collaboration of an international consortium of seven partners from five countries supported by Creative Europe.

The consortium, led by the Universal Reading Foundation from Poland, with partners including the National Library of Poland, Stiftung Lesen from Germany, CICLIC, the French public agency for books and images of the Centre-Val de Loire Region, the Bulgarian organisation Chetene, the Belgian-based Federation of European Publishers and the EURead network, has won the privilege to run a multi-level strategy to raise readership in Europe and promote European literature which will be the continuation of the European Authors Day initiated in 2023 by Creative Europe.

Europe really needs reading. 75 million adult Europeans are unable to read with understanding and lack properly developed literacy skills. A large part of the population does not participate in the life of economies and communities due to insufficient reading skills – it is a tremendous loss for them individually and for the societies and democracies as a whole. Reading for pleasure (which is a sign of literacy skills) is at the lowest level since years.

The consortium will be continuing Creative Europe’s work around three pillars: annual celebrations of Authors through the pan-European Read.ForReal campaign, annual workshops to strengthen reading promotion professionals and their networks, and annual conferences to create a platform of thought and impact.

The first huge celebration of the European Authors Day will be held during November 11th-December 12th each year. Meetings with European Authors travelling from country to country will take place across Europe. Schools, preschools, libraries and bookstores from all around Europe will be invited to join in with their creativity and unlimited potential.

More information and details will be published at the end of summer 2025.

Meanwhile, follow the fanpages

Facebook

READ.ForReal (@read.forreal)

EURead Marks 25th Anniversary with Global Gathering in Brussels

Posted on by EURead

EURead celebrated its 25th anniversary with a vibrant gathering of its members, alongside participants from the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting and the Researchers Network. The event brought together people from five continents to discuss reading promotion from multiple perspectives over three days in Brussels.

All visitors of this years AGM at BKR Library, Brussels ©Simon Bequoye

Iedereen Leest hosted this year’s event. Its bookgifting programme, Boekstart Flanders, celebrated an important milestone as well — 20 years of impact. During a special visit of all guests to Antwerp, the team from Iedereen Leest, led by CEO Sylvie Dhaene, showcased over four decades of successful work in reading promotion.

Visitors listen to a speech in the garden of Iedereen Leest offices ©Simon Bequoye

Annual General Meeting participants also visited the European Parliament in Brussels, where representatives from almost all EU countries—as well as from Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, Peru, and Canada—gained insights into the functioning of EU institutions. The visit highlighted the strong connection between reading promotion and the preservation of fundamental European values and democratic rights.

AGM visitors and members from the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting ©EURead

The AGM took place at the premises of KBR – the Royal Library of Belgium in Brussels, from 10 to 11 June.

Ms Katarina Barley, vice-president of the European Parliament and patron of EURead, addressed the members through a special video message. Prof. Dr. Andrea Wechsler, member of the European Parliament, joined the AGM in person and thanked EURead members for supporting literacy and building bridges that strengthen democracy. Mr Arnaud Pasqualli from the Directorate-General for Education and Culture also delivered a speech.

Daan Beeke (Network Manager EURead | Stichting Lezen) presented EURead’s rich history. New members who joined the network over the past three months had the opportunity to share more about their work. They include the Slovenian Book Agency (Slovenia), Krajina čitateľov – The Land of Readers (Slovakia), the Ministry of Culture and Media (Croatia), and Friedrich-Bödeker-Kreis (Germany).

As scientific insight continues to guide EURead’s work, six researchers from the EURead Researchers Network contributed to discussions about the evolving reading ecology over the past 25 years. Their presentations covered topics such as reading formats (print and digital), the crucial role of early childhood, and how school libraries foster functional literacy and long-term reading habits through access to high-quality books.

Francis de Bonnaire, Senior Researcher at Sentobib, further enriched the conversation by presenting findings from a major study on public libraries in seven European countries.

Day 1 concluded with inspiring data and practical examples from members of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting. Presenters shared successful projects from Flanders, Croatia, and Poland, as well as impactful practices from Malaysia and Tanzania. The key takeaway: bookgifting works in every context, and the benefits of reading extend to every baby and their family—regardless of geography or socio-economic status.

New EURead member Ministry of Culture and Media (Croatia) showcases their project © Simon Bequoye

An anniversary wouldn’t be complete without a party. Our hosts, Iedereen Leest, made it possible by organising a wonderful dinner at deBuren, where Elly McCausland (Ghent University) delivered an inspiring speech to our members.

Day 2 marked a farewell to our long-standing Chair, Dr Jörg F. Maas, and the unanimous election of Elaina Ryan (CEO of Children’s Books Ireland) as a new Board Member.

ltr Elaina Ryan, Joerg Maas, Diana Gerald and Valentina Stoeva © Simon Bequoye

The rest of the day focused on discussions around several important topics: partnerships, school libraries, and youth and sport. Shared initiatives, insights, and ideas inspired our members and equipped them with new tools to continue advancing literacy across Europe.

The evening of 11 June was dedicated to the Open Forum “25 Years of Getting Europe Reading”. Acclaimed and award-winning writers Bart Moeyaert and Sulaiman Addonia shared powerful reflections on the importance of reading.

Bart Moeyaert addresses the Open Forum ©Simon Bequoye

Members of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting from Belgium, Japan, the Netherlands, and Peru presented the impact of their programmes on children’s development and well-being. A panel discussion followed, centred around the Mario Draghi report, the Sustainable Development Goals, and how we can bridge the gaps between innovation, competitiveness, and literacy. The conversation brought together representatives from the European Commission, IEA.nl, DGLegacy (a startup), and reading promoters from across Europe.

The conclusion was clear: reading empowers citizens to become functionally literate and well-educated, and to grow into more creative and critical thinkers.

Below some more impressions (pictures by Simon Bequoye):

EURead: 25 Years Of Getting Europe Reading (Open Forum)

Posted on by EURead

EURead, Europe’s leading network for reading and literacy promotion, will mark its 25th anniversary with a landmark Open Forum in Brussels. This high-level event will convene policymakers, innovators, researchers, educators, cultural leaders, advocates for social cohesion, and members of the public to examine the essential role of reading in fostering a more competitive, innovative, and prosperous Europe.

Discussions will focus on how Europe can effectively address literacy gaps, enhance background knowledge, and promote innovation in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the recommendations outlined in the Draghi Report on European Competitiveness.

For a quarter of a century, EURead has united reading promoters from across Europe, sharing successful program designs and policy strategies to foster a culture of reading. As society’s attention shifts increasingly towards technology and innovations, the forum will examine why reading remains an essential pillar for personal development, economic growth, and democratic participation.

AGENDA

???? KBR – the Royal Library, Auditorium Hall, Mont des Arts 28, Brussels, Belgium 

⏲️ 11th June, 2025 | 17.30–20.00

17.30 – 18.00Opening
Do you know what?
keynote speech

Bart Moeyaert
Writer, Laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2019
18.00 – 18.25 On the Benefits of Reading
Prominent speakers will discuss the importance of reading from a scientific perspective and how it shapes our lives and the future

Rekindling the Joy in Reading and Reclaiming Critical Thinking and Empathy
video

Prof. Maryanne Wolf
Director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse
Learners, and Social Justice at the UCLA Graduate School of Education
and Information Studies

The Benefits of Reading
presentation

Diana Gerald MBE
Co-chair of EURead and CEO of BookTrust UK
18.25 – 19.00 How reading promotion influences, supports, and shapes societal change in Europe and beyond
Reading promoters from three continents will showcase proven strategies for tackling socioeconomic disadvantages and supporting societal change

EURead: Good practices from 27 European countries
– Daniel Beeke – Network Manager of EURead and domain specialist at Stichting Lezen (The Netherlands)

20 Years of BoekStart Belgium
– Lotte Baert – Iedereen Leest (Belgium)

Early Years Bookgifting Across the Globe: Working in Different Societal Contexts
– Marijke Bos – BoekStart (The Netherlands)
– Izumi Satou – Japan Bookstart (Japan)
– Lucía Guerrero Suárez – Leer en Familia/PUCP (Peru)
19.00 – 19.40 25 Years of getting Europe reading: A Roadmap to a More Literate and Competitive Europe
Bridging Gaps in Reading – developing a European approach to strengthen literacy, background knowledge, and innovation in the context of fulfilling the SDGs and implementing the recommendations of the Draghi Report

– Michael Teutsch, Acting Director Directorate B – Youth, Education and Erasmus+ 
– Juliane Hencke, Director of IEA Hamburg
– Ana Mineva, CEO and co-founder of DGLegacy
– Maria Deskur, CEO of Universal Reading Foundation – Poland

Moderator: Elaina Ryan, Children’s Books Ireland
19.40 – 20.00 For Those Who Learned to Read the Air
A Special Address

Sulaiman Addonia
Writer, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature

Closing remarks by Valentina Stoeva
Co-chair of EURead and founder of the Reading Foundation Bulgaria

Open to public・Free entrance・Registration required: HERE

Speakers

Bart Moeyaert | Photo: © Michiel Devijver & Iedereen Leest

Bart Moeyaert is one of Belgian’s most famous authors. He was barely nineteen when he made his debut in 1983. A master of the unsaid, his books are always received with great acclaim, and have been described by critics as poetic, cinematic and appealing to the senses. Moeyaert often deals with complex existential subjects, in an insightful and accessible way.

His work has won many awards at home and abroad and has been translated into twenty-nine languages. He became four times Finalist for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award: in 2002, 2012, 2020 and 2024, and is the Laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2019. (Source: flandersliterature.com)

Website: https://www.bartmoeyaert.com

Prof. Maryanne Wolf | Photo: Official source

Maryanne Wolf is a scholar, teacher, and global advocate for children and literacy. She directs the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at UCLA and the former John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. She has authored over 170 scientific publications; Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain; Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century; and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital Culture.

She is co-author with Martha Denckla of the RAN/RAS naming speed tests, and developed the RAVE-O Intervention Program for all struggling readers. Her awards include the IDA and the Einstein Award from the Dyslexia Foundation; and the Walter Ong Award and the Alfred Korzybski Award for her work on the effects of different mediums on the intellectual development of the species. She was elected a permanent member of the Pontifical Academy of Science.

Website: https://www.maryannewolf.com

Michael Teutsch | Photo: Official source

Michael Teutsch is Acting Director for Youth, Education and Erasmus+ in the European Commission’s Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. The Directorate deals with policy development and implementation in the areas of schools and higher education, and in youth, as well with the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. The Directorate thus contributes to the realisation of a Union of Skills, European Education Area and the European Youth Strategy.

Mr. Teutsch also is the Head of Unit of the Erasmus+ coordination unit. He joined the Commission in 2001, to work on labour mobility issues in DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Before that, he had worked in the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and in research projects in Germany and Italy on the European structural funds, transport and environment policy.

Juliane Hencke | Photo: Official source

As Director of IEA Hamburg, Juliane Hencke is responsible for the functional and personnel management in close cooperation with the IEA Hamburg Deputy Directors. She represents IEA Hamburg to external clients, partners, and stakeholders, and she is responsible for the continuous development of IEA Hamburg for IEA’s overall strategy.

IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement) is an international cooperative of national research institutions, governmental research agencies, scholars, and analysts working to research, understand, and improve education worldwide.

Website: https://www.iea.nl | Latest publication: Why Boys May Need More Support In Building Their Reading Motivation

Ana Mineva is a serial tech entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of DGLegacy® – the digital legacy planning and inheritance app designed to meet the evolving needs of the digital age. With over 20 years of experience building digital businesses from idea to successful exit, she brings deep expertise across product development, marketing, engineering, and digital innovation.

Ana holds an MSc in Engineering and an Executive MBA, which she draws on to lead DGLegacy® in reshaping how people protect their assets and secure their loved ones’ future in the digital age. At its core, DGLegacy® is about more than asset protection — it’s about building financial literacy, background knowledge, and intergenerational continuity.

Born and raised in Bulgaria, Ana is a lifelong learner with a passion for simplifying the complex. Her work blends Silicon Valley–level innovation with European values of trust, transparency, and social good. Under her leadership, DGLegacy was recognized by TechCrunch as one of the Top 20 Most Innovative Startups globally in 2024. She is also a mentor at Girls Gearing Up, supporting young women in developing the skills and confidence needed in the digital age — and to lead.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-mineva/  Website: https://www.dglegacy.com/about/ 

Sulaiman Addonia | Photo: © Michiel Devijver & Iedereen Leest

Sulaiman Addonia is a British-Eritrean-Ethiopian writer. His first novel, The Consequences of Love, was translated into over 20 languages. His second novel, Silence is My Mother Tongue, was published by Indigo Press (2019) and Graywolf (2020). His third novel, The Seers, was published by Prototype (2024) and released in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the U.S., and Canada.

Addonia currently lives in Brussels, where he has launched a Creative Writing Academy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and the Asmara-Addis Literary Festival (In Exile). In 2021, he was awarded Belgium’s Golden Afro Artistic Award for Literature. In 2022, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Interview with Sulaiman Addonia: HERE

Speakers – Members of EURead and the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting

Diana Gerald MBE | Photo: BookTrust UK

Diana Gerald MBE has been BookTrust’s Chief Executive since 2015. She is a Trustee of the Mohn Westlake Foundation – one of the UK’s largest grant givers in supporting disadvantaged children and young people in the arts, culture and education. She is Deputy Chair of Creative Education Trust, a network of schools in disadvantaged areas of the Midlands and East of England, and also Chair of the Bentley Wood Trust, an outstanding school in Stanmore. Diana joined BookTrust from the Arks Schools Group. Other previous roles include at the Young Foundation and in consultancy for local government. She began her career in the commercial sector at Boston Consulting Group. Diana is a co-chair of EURead. Website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk

Valentina Stoeva | Photo: Nevena Rikova

Valentina Stoeva holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Sofia University) and a master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations (New Bulgarian University). Since 2008, she has been actively promoting reading in Bulgaria. She is the founder and chairwoman of the Children’s Books Foundation (Bulgaria) and the Reading Foundation (Bulgaria). Valentina has been appointed as the Libraries’ Ambassador in Bulgaria. She is a a co-chair of EURead. Website: https://readingfoundation.bg

Since June 2024 Valentina is appointed as a co-chair of EURead.

Elaina Ryan | Photo: Children’s Books Ireland

Elaina Ryan holds a BA in Languages and Cultural Studies from University of Limerick and an MLitt in Publishing from University of Stirling. She has a background in children’s book publishing and is co-Artistic Director, with Niamh Sharkey, of Towers and Tales Children’s Book Festival in Lismore, County Waterford. Elaina has led the team in Children’s Books Ireland since 2013. Website: https://childrensbooksireland.ie

Daniel (Daan) Beeke | Photo: Personal archive

Daniel Beeke studied Dutch Literature at Utrecht University and started his career as high school teacher of Dutch Literature and Language. Since 2008 he works for the Dutch Reading Foundation (Stichting Lezen) as a domain specialist, working on high school projects and programs. He is also involved in the EURead network, as Network Manager, and in the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting, as part of the working group. Website: https://www.lezen.nl

Lotte Baert | Photo: Michiel Devijver

Lotte Baert works at Iedereen Leest (Flemish Reading Foudation) since 2018. She works mainly for the early literacy programme Boekstart and is part of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting working group. She holds a master degree in languages, communication and cultural management from the University of Antwerp.

Maria Deskur | Photo: LinkedIn page

Maria Deskur is the CEO of Fundacja Powszechnego Czytania (Universal Reading Foundation). She is an Ashoka Fellow and a Member of the Council For Public Benefit at the Prime Minister’s Office in Poland. Website: https://www.fpc.org.pl/eng/

Marijke Bos | Photo: Keke Keukelaar

Marijke Bos works at Stichting Lezen (Dutch Reading Foundation) since 2007. She is a specialist in early years reading promotion and is managing the Dutch early years bookgifting programme, BoekStart. She holds a Master Degree in Social Sciences. Website: https://www.lezen.nl

Izumi Satou | Photo: Official source

Izumi Satou is Trustee and Director of Programmes, Bookstart Japan. After introducing the UK’s Bookstart to Japan in 2000, she has led its development in a different social and cultural context, including founding and managing the implementing organisation. Izumi is part of the working group of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting. Website: https://www.bookstart.or.jp/english/

Lucía Guerrero Suárez | Photo: Official source

Lucía Guerrero is the founder and director of Leer en Familia, a Peruvian initiative that promotes reading, language-rich environments, and joyful interactions from the earliest years of life. She is a faculty member at the Department of Education at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and a member of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting. She advocates for every child’s right to grow up surrounded by stories, affection, and meaningful conversations from birth. Website: https://www.leerenfamilia.pe/

EUROPEAN LEADERS CALLED ON TO RECOGNISE THE ABILITY TO READ AS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PROTECTION OF DEMOCRACY

Posted on by EURead

EURead, a coalition of the continent’s most influential organisations committed to reading and literacy, called on Europe’s leaders to recognise the ability to read as a fundamental human right and as essential to the protection of democracy. 

The six-point Statement on Reading and Literacy draws on extensive evidence which shows the widespread impact of being able to read and reading regularly on the ability of individual citizen’s to fulfil their potential, participate in society and identify fake news. The statement also calls for further investment in book gifting programmes for families with young children, school and public libraries and in reading promotion as being essential for the development of critically literate citizens.

The statement was announced at the EURead Annual General Meeting in Athens where 21 organisations from over 15 countries participated from across the continent which was followed by an open forum on “Literacy and Democracy in the Era of Technology and Information: Facts, Challenges, Strategies,” organized in light of the EU elections. Guest speakers at the AGM and forum included Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Andreas Schleicher, Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, OECD, Andrew Kay, CEO of World Literacy Foundation, Prof. Adriaan van der Weel of Leiden University, Prof. Venetia Apostolidou of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki and Marc Lambert CEO of Scottish Book Trust.

In launching the Statement on Reading and Literacy, Dr Jörg F. Maas, Chair of EU Read, said:

“The contribution of reading to the defence of democracy and the functioning of society in so many different ways is grossly underestimated. Ensuring that the citizens of Europe can not only read, but can read critically and love reading is fundamental to sustaining European values for future generations. Governments at regional, national and pan-European level must take action but so must a wide range of other social actors. Reading is not just an issue for ministries of education and culture but for everyone who cares about the future of Europe. We must come together to protect our way of life.”   

We, the EURead members, call on all politicians at both the national and EU levels to support reading and literacy by rethinking their importance for the well-being of all citizens and the preservation of our vibrant and robust democratic societies.

EURead Statement on Reading and Literacy

Posted on by EURead

We, the member organisations of EURead representing 34 state, NGO and publishing bodies from 23 countries across the continent call on European leaders at regional, national and supranational level to recognise the foundational role that reading plays in the development of individual citizens, in the operation of a thriving economy and in helping to ensure the functioning of modern democracies.

We are specifically calling for recognition of and action on the following principles.

  1. The ability to read and to read critically is essential to personal development and a fundamental human right.

It is widely evidenced that reading regularly for pleasure improves mental health and well-being, correlates with achievement across the curriculum, improves social mobility and enables participation in society. PISA defines reading as “understanding, using, reflecting on, and engaging with written texts in order to achieve one’s goals, develop one’s knowledge and potential, and participate in society.” Because of its widespread impact on individuals’ lives, learning to read and to love reading is a fundamental right.

2. The ability to read underpins the functioning of our society in many dimensions and, as such, is everyone’s concern.

Having citizens who can read to the best of their ability can improve economic performance, enable better health outcomes, enhance social mobility and improve social cohesion. Making sure that the citizens of Europe are regular readers is a matter of concern for a wide variety of state and non-state actors outside the confines of the education and culture sectors. This includes organisations active in the business and commercial world, healthcare and regional development sectors amongst others.

3. Having citizens who can read critically is essential if we are to protect our democracies.

In an era of disinformation, the ability to interpret information and assess the credibility of statements is essential to the functioning of modern democracies. The promotion of high levels of critical literacy should be a priority for governments and for EU members should form part of the Defence of Democracy package.

4. Reading needs to be part of family life from a child’s earliest days and governments should further invest in Early Years book gifting programmes.

There is widespread scientific evidence of the importance of the first 1000 days for a child’s development and further evidence of the critical role that reading with young children can play in language acquisition and emotional attachment with their parent or carer. We know that children who are read to when young are more likely to go on to read themselves later. We believe that no child should miss out on the opportunity this presents and that government should further invest in well-evidenced book gifting programmes. Book gifting programmes should form part of the European Child Guarantee.

5. Access to a wide range of books, for example through kindergartens, school libraries and through libraries in the community, staffed by skilled librarians, is essential to fostering a love of reading and needs financial support.

Every citizen of a European country from birth onwards would benefit from access to diverse reading materials of all kinds and in different formats as this helps the acquisition and maintenance of regular reading habits. Having school and community libraries, staffed by information professionals who can help people discover books they will love, is a critical part of our reading infrastructure.

6. Reading promotion by a wide range of players needs to be supported. 

People need encouragement to read, and this is particularly true for those who have the most to gain from reading regularly. Reading promotion programmes which draw on the expertise of the state and NGOs as well as the intellectual capital of authors, illustrators, publishers and booksellers require sustained investment over time in order to effect changes in behaviour. Whilst these actors may lead on promotional activity, it is the responsibility of every element of society to signal that reading is something which is highly valued.

EURead Statement on Reading and Literacy is available as pdf in different languages:

Open Forum “Literacy and Democracy in the Era of Technology and Information: facts, challenges, strategies”

Posted on by EURead

In our modern era, we face daunting challenges: misinformation runs rampant across Europe and beyond, significantly impacting our national interests. While social media saturates our lives, particularly captivating our youth, literacy rates decline. Additionally, the rise of Artificial Intelligence raises profound concerns, especially in education and the arts. Global crises dominate our attention, shaping public discourse.

As we confront these obstacles, safeguarding democratic principles is paramount. What strategic investments must society make to foster economic growth, achieve sustainable development goals, and safeguard cultural heritage? Amidst these deliberations, how does literacy contribute to shaping our collective future?

In the light of the 2024 European Parliament elections it is even more important to tackle these issue. Therefore, EURead, Diavazontas Megalono and Goethe-Institut Athen are inviting you to an open forum, which will be held on the 4th of June, 2024, at the premises of Goethe-Institut Athen (14-16 Omirou str., Athens, Greece).

Speakers and topics

‘To understand the full significance of reading, it is not enough to approach it functionally and ask, ‘What do we do with reading?’ We must also ask the reverse question, ‘What does reading do to us?’ For reading and writing are more than just functional skills: they are intellectual achievements that change the very way our brains are able to think’. Prof. Adriaan van der Weel will address these questions in his speech, ‘Reading to Think: The Ljubljana Manifesto on Higher-Level Reading,’ beginning a discussion on how we can safeguard this achievement and support our vulnerable democracies.

Prof. Venetia Apostolidou will share insights based on research and experience, which show that many children who used to read books systematically fail to progress to the next level of reading more complex texts, whether informational or literary, once they leave children’s books behind. In her presentation, ‘The Critical Transition from Childhood to Adolescence for the Development of Higher-Level Reading Competencies: Findings and Suggestions,’ she will explore the causes related to the role of education, the media, and teenage literature.

Though it is self-evident that literacy, from basic decoding to the higher order skills of critical literacy, is essential to modern participatory democracy, yet illiteracy rates across Europe and the British Isles have remained roughly the same at around twenty percent of the population. In this sense, tracking variations in PISA results, and obsessing, as politicians and the media do, over national league tables, is to pay attention to an illusion, because there is a persistent underlying correlation between poverty rates, rates of illiteracy, and poor educational attainment. Marc Lambert will argue that this makes the task of reading promoters complex, as we must address not a single, easily comprehensible issue, but rather the intersection of socio-economics, education, culture, and productivity.

If you believe in the importance of reading and literacy in shaping robust democracies and are seeking solutions and constructive dialogue among different key stakeholders, you are most welcome to join us.

The forum will be moderated by Prof. Maria Stratigaki.

Free entrance | Simultaneous English-Greek interpretation provided

About the speakers and the moderator

Prof. Venetia Apostolidou

Professor of Modern Greek Literature and Literary Education

School of Primary Education, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki

Director of the Centre for Reading and Writing in School and Society  

Venetia Apostolidou is a Professor of Modern Greek Literature and Literary Education at the School of Primary Education of the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki. She is the Director of the Centre of Reading and Writing in School and Society. Her research interests focus on the fields of the history of Modern Greek criticism, post-war prose and literary education. Her latest book Literature at the University. The construction of Modern Greek Philology (1942-1982), Polis publications 2022, was awarded the Ourani prize of the Academy of Athens.

Prof. Adriaan van der Weel

Emeritus extraordinary professor of Book Studies

University of Leiden

The Netherlands

Adriaan van der Weel is emeritus extraordinary professor of Book Studies, University of Leiden, the Netherlands. His research focuses on the screen revolution in textual communication and reading. As vice-chair of the COST Action ‘E-READ’, about the future of reading in the digital age, Van der Weel was co-author of the ‘Stavanger Declaration Concerning the Future of Reading’ (2019) and the ‘Ljubljana Manifesto on Higher Level Reading’ (2023). His latest book, co-authored with Ruud Hisgen, is entitled The reading human: How the book defines our existence (2022; in Dutch).

Marc Lambert

CEO

Scottish Book Trust

United Kingdom

Marc Lambert graduated from Edinburgh University in 1986 with an MA Hons degree in History. He has worked for Waterstone and Co. as a main fiction buyer, and for Penguin Books in Italy and the UK. After four years of writing about and interpreting contemporary art at The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, he joined The Edinburgh International Book Festival in 2000, becoming Assistant Director. In 2002 he was appointed CEO of Scottish Book Trust. Since then he has grown the Trust from a small organisation of three people into a national charity with 70+ staff, winning 10 Arts & Business and Business in the Community awards. A Trustee of Literature Alliance Scotland and the Netherbow Trust he chaired the Scottish Government English Excellence Group, and was a member of the Scottish Government’s Standing Literacy Commission. He has written widely both on the visual arts, and on book and literacy related subjects. 

Moderator

Prof. Maria Stratigaki 

Professor Emeritus at the Department of Social Policy of Panteion University

Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity, and Equality in the City of Athens 

Maria Stratigaki is Deputy Mayor for Social Solidarity, and Equality in the City of Athens since 1st January 2024. She has served at the same position from 2014 to 2019. She is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Social Policy of Panteion University. She served as General Secretary for Gender Equality (2009-2012) and worked at the European Commission (1991-1999). Her research interests are gender equality policies, gender-based violence and gender in migration She was scientific coordinator of EU funded FP7 research projects on Gender and Gender Equality Policies. She has published in Social Politics, the European Journal of Women’s Studies and Femina Politica. She is the author of the books: The Gender of Social Policy (2007) and Gender Equality Policies: UN, EU, Greece (2021). She is a founding member of the first European Feminist Think Tank Gender 5+. 

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Under the auspices and with the support of

Under the auspices

With the support of Greek Collecting Society for Literary Works

Media Sponsors

Annual General Meeting 2024: Promoting literacy in a changing world

Posted on by EURead

Modern society is facing big challenges: all over Europe (and beyond), people are worried about misinformation and the impact it has on nations.

Social media is by now ever-present in our daily lives, and the group of (even young) children using them keeps growing. Meanwhile, their reading skills decline. The development of Artificial Intelligence is reaching a momentum that is being followed closely (and with fear?) in the fields of education and the creative sector. World crises dominate mainstream media.

In this context, it seems even more essential for reading promoters to fight illiteracy and to promote reading skills in general. We see a clear correlation between declining reading skills in society and the aforementioned problems. But how do we get that message across to parents, teachers, and our financial partners and promoters? How can we raise awareness of these issues at local, national, and European levels? What is our responsibility, and what is our response?

The AGM 2024 will be held on the 3rd and 4th of June, 2024, in Athens (Greece).

Location: Premises of Goethe-Institut Athens, 14-16 Omirou str., Athens, Greece.

AGENDA

3rd June, 2024

12.30 – 13.00 Registration

13.00 – 13.20 Welcome notes by the special guests Bettina Wenzel – Goethe-Institut Athen, Ava Chalkiadaki – Diavazontas Megalono, Katarina Barley – vice-president of the European Parliament (video) and Andrew Kay – CEO World Literacy Foundation (video).

13.20 – 13.30 Official opening by Dr. Jörg F. Maas, Chair of EURead | Stiftung Lesen

13.30 – 14.25 Strategic Vision and EURead Statement on Reading and Literacy. Discussion for further actions on strategy and advocacy

14.25 – 15.05 Welcome new members from Poland, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Bulgaria

15.05 – 15.35 Reading promotion in Greece: the deficits of public reading policies and the leading role of the civil society (Speaker: Ava Chalkiadaki, Diavazontas Megalono (Greece)

15.35 – 16.00 Coffee Break

16.00 – 16.40 Reading To Change Our Minds: Keynote speaker Prof. Adriaan van der Weel, Leiden University, The Netherlands

16.40 – 17.50 Let’s Talk About… Early Literacy

  • Update from the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting (Peter Jenkins, Global Network Manager | BookTrust United Kingdom)
  • Bookgifting Toolkit: Process and Motivation (Emmi Jäkkö, Lukukeskus – The Finnish Reading Center – Finland)
  • Pilot reading promotion intervention in Primary Healthcare in Greece. First observations (Evanthia Sakellari, Diavazontas Megalono – Greece)
  • BookStart Spain: reading promotion, culture and more (Ana Molina, Asociación Artística-Sociocultural Mestiza – Spain)
  • Q&A session Global Network topics
  • The Impact of Networking: Can EURead learn from Global Network and vice versa? How can we be more impactful? Discussion, moderated by Daan Beeke – Network Manager EURead | Stichting Lezen

17.50 – 18.00 Reflections on Day 1

20.00 – 22.00 Official Dinner

Speech by Eleni Geroulanou – writer, educator, founder of Library4all and the Hellenic Children’s Museum in Athens, member of the Greek section of IBBY and an honorary member of Diavazontas Megalono

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4h June, 2024

8.30 – 09.00 Coffee

9.00 – 09.30 Warm-up with Evi Andrianou

9.30 – 12.30 General Assembly – Members Only! Finances, Legal Matters, Reports from the EURead Teams etc.

12.30 – 13.30 Lunch (Street Food Challenge)

13.30 – 14.25 Let’s Talk About… New Media

  • Fakeless – Exhibition on media literacy – Nikoletta Stathopoulou, Head of Information & Library, Goethe-Institut Athen (Greece)
  • Innovative Approaches to Digital Reading in Education – Sonja Hoge, Managing Director of Onilo, Germany
  • Q&A New Media

14.25 – 14.35 Coffee Break

14.35 – 15.35 Let’s Talk About… Reading Promotion and Politics

  • Good Practices in the field of reading promotion and politics

15.35 – 15.45 Reflections on the AGM 2024

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18.00 – 20.30 Open Forum “Literacy and democracy in the era of technology and information: facts, challenges, strategies”

PISA in Bologna: how to fight low reading skills – A Panel Discussion during BCBF 2024

Posted on by EURead

For the 61st time, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2024 will attract publishers, authors, illustrators, and book lovers from all over the world. While the book fair is dedicated to the development of a vital industry, most professionals in the book industry are aware of the declining reading skills of both children and adults.

PISA results provide scientific proof of this downward trend, sometimes referred to as the reading crisis. While Bologna is filled with great new books each year, the question remains: what if no one reads them? What if books become a relic of the past in the future?

From 9:30 to 10:20 on April 9, 2024, during a panel discussion in the Authors’ Café (Hall 30, Bologna Fiere), reading promoters from both inside and outside the publishing industry will shed light on this question.

Moderated by Daan Beeke (Stichting Lezen / EURead network manager), the panelists will discuss whether reading promotion could be a solution and how publishers can play a role in this process.

“Bologna Children’s Book Fair gives us a great opportunity to spotlight reading promotion. To ensure all children read and to combat illiteracy, we must address this issue here and now, seeking comprehensive solutions and stable partnerships across all sectors,” says Mr. Beeke.

During the panel discussion, Elaina Ryan (Children’s Books Ireland), Lovisa Fhagher Logothetis (Bonnier Family Foundation, Sweden), and Anna Zdrojewska-Zywiecka (Mamania/Relacja sp. z o.o. Publishing Group, Poland) will shed light on this question. Attendees will also learn more about what lies at the core of reading promotion.

If you are interested in this topic and are attending the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2024, join us for a cup of coffee and a lively discussion on the future of reading and books!

All visual materials for the event are created by Valerie Weilheim.

About the panelists:

Elaina Ryan

Elaina grew up in Wexford and Waterford. She holds a BA in Languages and Cultural Studies from University of Limerick and an MLitt in Publishing from University of Stirling. She has a background in children’s book publishing and is co-Artistic Director, with Niamh Sharkey, of Towers and Tales Children’s Book Festival in Lismore, County Waterford. Elaina has led the team in Children’s Books Ireland since 2013.

Lovisa Fhager Logothetis

At the Bonnier Family Foundation Lovisa Fhager Logothetis leads the work with several reading promotion methods, one that aims to get young people to read aloud to younger children during the first week of the summer holidays. Lovisa is an expert in children’s rights. She holds a master’s in political science and has a background in organizations Amnesty International and Unicef and is part of several different expert networks for children’s rights. She previously led a civil society organization that worked on equality issues that distributed over a million books to Swedish children and youths for free.

Anna Zdrojewska-Zywiecka

Anna studied Cultural Studies at the University of Warsaw and the University of Amsterdam. She is also an MBA graduate of the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. In 2010 she founded Mamania publishing house that specializes in parenting and children’s books. Anna and her company are among the founders of the Universal Reading Foundation. The foundation is supporting children’s development and supporting adults in their parenthood, showing the great importance of reading in both those areas.

Daan Beeke

Daan Beeke studied Dutch Literature at Utrecht University and started his career as high school teacher of Dutch Literature and Language. Since 2008 he works for the Dutch Reading Foundation (Stichting Lezen) as a domain specialist, working on high school projects and programs. He is also involved in the EURead network and in the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting, as a network manager. 

Graphic design:

Valerie Weilheim

Valerie holds a degree in Literature from the Universidad Central de Venezuela (Magna Cum Laude, 2019). She works as an editor, illustrator and reading promoter. In Venezuela she has been a workshop leader for Rana Encantada since 2010, is part of the evaluation committee for children’s and young adult books of Banco del Libro and is the co-founder of the fanzine publisher Perro Amorfo (2017). She also collaborates with the digital magazine Pez Linterna and the Asociación Artística-Sociocultural Mestiza (San Sebastian).

Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/valerieweilheim Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerieilustra