Read Hour in Denmark
This year Denmark is taking part in Read Hour for the first time. We asked Maria Sjøblom from the public libraries in Denmark what is going on during Read Hour in their country.
In this day and age, the joy of reading is as important as ever. Not just as a tool and a skill, but as an avenue for empathy, contemplation and perspectives on the complex world we live in. It is in this capacity that the public libraries in Denmark are proud to coordinate the Read Hour Campaign 2023 in Denmark.
The Danish Read Hour will be realized both as a set nationwide reading hour at a specific time, as well as a participatory reading effort throughout the day. Our aim in the campaign will be on children’s reading culture, but also on nurturing the joy of reading in a broader sense.
How are you engaging your local audience to Read Hour?
The Danish Read Hour will be realized both as a set nationwide reading hour at a specific time, as well as a participatory reading effort throughout the day. Our aim in the campaign will be on children’s reading culture, but also on nurturing the joy of reading in a broader sense.
The overall national campaign material will be open licensed for everybody to use. Similarly, Bibliotekernes Sprog og Læsespor (laesesporet.dk) – a public repository for the inspiration and advancement of language and reading – will provide tangible activities for both children and adults to be employed at local libraries, schools and daycare institutions.
You can follow the progress of the Danish campaign at Facebook: www.facebook.com/readhourDK or contact the national, Danish coordinator Maria Sjøblom by email: maria.sjoeblom@aalborg.dk
Who are the partners in your country making Read Hour spread?
In 2023 and the coming years, Bibliotekernes Temasamarbejde – a national campaign office for Danish libraries – and the Danish Library Association will coordinate and initiate new Read Hour partnerships and activities. Promotion and execution of the Read Hour activities in 2023 will be handled through local and national partnerships (e.g. The Association of School Libraries and eReolen GO!).
As newcomers to the campaign, we might be starting out at a modest pace, but have great ambitions for this year and beyond. Presently, we are working towards a joint venture with the national public service radio and television broadcasting company (DR) to have characters and personalities from their children shows promote Read Hour.
What is your favourite book from children’s and young adults literature?
You ask us to choose our favorite book? Every book that put a light in the reader’s heart and eyes.
Written by: Maria Sjøblom / national, Danish coordinator for Read Hour, The public libraries in Denmark
