{"id":3328,"date":"2026-04-21T17:36:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/genereaders-genia-anagnoston-i-filanagnosia-se-proto-plano\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T17:40:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:40:36","slug":"genereaders-genia-anagnoston-i-filanagnosia-se-proto-plano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/genereaders-genia-anagnoston-i-filanagnosia-se-proto-plano\/","title":{"rendered":"GENEREADERS \u2013 A GENERATION OF READERS: READING CULTURE IN THE SPOTLIGHT!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Within the framework of the 2026-27<\/strong> Year of<\/strong> Reading Culture, <\/strong>as declared by HFBC<\/strong>, the organization is planning and supporting a wide range of events, discussions, and activities at this year\u2019s Thessaloniki International Book Fair, aimed at both adults and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Professional Programme<\/strong>, distinguished guests from Greece and abroad illuminate various aspects of reading culture, raise concerns, address critical issues, and share experiences and best practices. In the Children and Young Adults Programme<\/strong>, exciting exhibitions<\/strong> will take place, as well as workshops and activities<\/strong> for adults, children, and young adults in collaboration with some of the most notable organizations from Greece and abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Programme<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

–Lisa Keil<\/strong>, project manager for volunteering at Stiftung Lesen<\/strong> for the promotion of reading, and Miha Kova\u010d<\/strong>, professor at the University of Ljubljana, will present research, effective practices, and innovative approaches that encourage reading across <\/strong>various age groups and communities in Germany and Slovenia. Moderated by Panagiotis Kapos<\/strong>, PhD in Communication, Media and Culture, and HFBC Vice President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–Elli Kalamara<\/strong>, publisher, general secretary of the Hellenic Federation of Publishers and Booksellers (POEV), and Giannis Vatamidis<\/strong>, bookseller, board member of POEV, discuss issues of book production, publishing, and dissemination, especially for small publishers and booksellers. <\/strong>Topics addressed include tax policy, the lack of commercial lease protection, energy costs, and the state\u2019s stance toward books, as well as obstacles affecting the relationship between readers and books. Moderated by Apostolos Lykesas<\/strong>, journalist for Efimerida ton Syntakton<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–Do very young children need books?<\/strong> What types of books are aimed at infants and toddlers? How do we choose them? And how do we bring them to life? Maria Bouri<\/strong>, pediatrician, Sissy Tsiflidou<\/strong>, educator, and Ava Chalkiadaki<\/strong>, reading policy researcher at Diavazontas Megalono (By Reading I Grow) discuss how important it is for children to grow up with stories and books. Readings by Goni Louka<\/strong>, actress & reading activities facilitator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– \u201c\u2026Children\u2019s books are a serious matter!\u201d<\/strong> Vagelis Iliopoulos<\/strong>, president of the Greek IBBY – Circle of the Greek Children\u2019s Book, author, and educator; Panos Christodoulou<\/strong>, director of the Network for Children\u2019s Rights; Vasiliki Nika<\/strong>, Faculty Member, Laboratory Teaching Staff, Department of Primary Education (UoA), translator; Grigoris Ambatzoglou<\/strong>, psychiatrist, child psychiatrist, Professor Emeritus of Child Psychiatry at the AUTH School of Medicine; and Elena Pataki<\/strong>, publisher, discuss children\u2019s access to good literary books and their right to build a multifaceted reader identity with critical thinking, the capacity for reading pleasure, and the freedom to choose texts that respond to the emotional world of their age. As Mac Barnett states: \u201c<\/em>If you don<\/em>\u2019<\/em>t believe children<\/em>\u2019<\/em>s books are real books, then in a way you don<\/em>\u2019<\/em>t believe children are real people.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

–<\/em>Picture Books in children\u2019s literature<\/strong>: Approaching them as a literary genre, a pedagogical tool, and a means of aesthetic and emotional development, the speakers of this event will attempt to highlight their value and role in the modern educational and reading experience. Participants: Fotis Dousos<\/strong>, author, PhD in Philology (University of Crete); Elli Petala<\/strong>, educator, author, PhD candidate (AUTH); Theodora Katsifi<\/strong>, author, creative writing workshop facilitator; and Koula Panagou<\/strong>, educator, play therapist.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

-In an event organized in collaboration with the EURead<\/strong> network, which promotes reading and literacy in Europe, successful reading culture<\/strong> promotion program<\/strong>mes<\/strong> implemented by network members will be presented from Bulgaria (Valentina Stoeva<\/strong>, Reading Foundation<\/strong>), Sweden (Lovisa Fhager Logothetis<\/strong>, Bonnier Family Foundation<\/strong>), and Greece (Ava Chalkiadaki<\/strong>, Diavazontas Megalono<\/strong>). A brief presentation of EURead<\/strong> by its president, Valentina Stoeva<\/strong>, will precede the discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>From Ex Libris to Memory: How a Book Becomes Our Own\u201d<\/strong>: The ex libris (Latin for \u201cfrom the books of\u2019\u2019) is a small figurative mark\u2014usually a label or stamp\u2014placed inside a book to denote its owner. Often artistic in nature, it is a way to \u201csign\u2019\u2019 one\u2019s relationship with their book. Aggeliki Bozou<\/strong>, artist, illustrator, Eleni Tsaldiri<\/strong>, artist, author, and Lela Stroutsi<\/strong>, illustrator, author, board member of the Greek IBBY, explore how a book is transformed from a simple object into a carrier of memory and personal identity and discover ways in which young and old readers can cultivate a more personal, experiential relationship with books. Moderated by Panagiota Strikou<\/strong>, author, creator of the \u201c<\/strong>Mamades me Roumi<\/strong>\u2019\u2019 podcast.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children and Young Adults Programme<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Children<\/strong>\u2019<\/strong>s Corner of the TBF<\/strong>, the Network for Children\u2019s Rights<\/strong>, with the support of HFBC<\/strong>, presents \u201cThe Memory of R!\u2019\u2019<\/strong>, a floor memory game through which children aged 6-9 will encounter the works of 47 acclaimed illustrators and artists inspired by the Rights of the Child. Each pair of cards corresponds to an article of the Convention on the Rights of the Child,<\/strong> providing an occasion for discussion, reflection, and creative learning. Coordinated by Koula Panagou<\/strong>, Head of Educational Programmes, and Thanasis Kotsovos<\/strong>, Head of Children\u2019s Library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Central Municipal Library<\/u><\/strong> (Children\u2019s Department),<\/strong> the National Library of Greece<\/strong>, with the support of HFBC<\/strong>, organizes a series of workshops for children and adults:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>Us and the World of Fairy Tales\u201d \u2013 Experiential W<\/strong>orkshop for <\/strong>Adults:<\/strong> Selected illustrated children\u2019s books become the starting point for a creative journey that utilizes techniques from drama play, visual arts, and creative writing to support expression, inspiration, and the cultivation of imagination. Number of participants: up to 25. No prior experience or artistic skills required, just a playful mood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>The Book That I Am\u201d:<\/strong> Children aged 8 and up leaf through books researching the \u201cautobiography\u2019\u2019 genre. Subsequently, through simple creative writing and visual art techniques, they create their own book featuring significant moments of their lives. The workshop combines drama play with creative writing and art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>Who Will Solve the Mystery?\u201d<\/strong> Detectives of all ages who have jumped out of books get tangled in a trial of skills and inspiration, so that participating children aged 6 and up can create their own mystery story!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simultaneously, throughout the Fair, associates of the National Library<\/strong> will inform the public about this year\u2019s Summer Reading and Creativity Campaign<\/strong>, a nationwide institution for the development and promotion of reading culture, organized this year in collaboration with HFBC<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organization<\/strong> Dia<\/strong>vazontas Megalono<\/strong>, with the support of HFBC<\/strong>, has also prepared two exciting activities for infants and toddlers at the Central Municipal Library (Children’s Department)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>With Hiding Places and Surprises\u201d:<\/strong> Goni Louka<\/strong>, actress and reading activities facilitator, reads stories with heroes who hide and are discovered in unexpected places, as well as movable books that lead to the modification, concealment, or revelation of the image. Limited seating \u2013 register here: https:\/\/<\/u>forms.gle\/1aQ7SdaeQpF3HNBE6<\/a>. Ages: 12-24 months<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>Numbers in High Spirits<\/strong>!<\/strong>\u201d:<\/strong> Goni Louka<\/strong> reads funny stories to children that have numbers and counting at their core. Limited seating \u2013 register here: https:\/\/forms.gle\/1qphGTQZFNhGftqw5<\/a>. Ages: 2-4 years<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At MOMus<\/strong>, the Greek IBBY \u2013 Circle of the Greek Children\u2019s Book<\/strong>, with the support of HFBC<\/strong>, organizes two parallel Ex Libris Workshops<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>From the Last Page of Books to the Front Line of Art\u201d<\/strong>: Eleni Tsaldiri<\/strong>, artist-author, asks: How many books do you have in your library? How many of them are truly yours? On how many would you like to put your stamp so no one can claim as their own? We\u2019ve found the way! Come and create your own stamp. Come and meet the magical microcosm of Ex Libris. You bring the imagination, we bring the knowledge and we print your own Ex Libris. Ages 8-12. <\/strong>Number of participants: up to 15 (on a first-come, first-served basis)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

–\u201c<\/strong>Put Your Stamp: The Art of Ex Libris\u201d<\/strong>: With Aggeliki Bozou<\/strong>, artist-illustrator. Children are transported by their imagination to an old library, where they discover old books and observe their Ex Libris stamps. Through this experiential event, they explore their visual elements and learn about the identity of their owners. Each child designs their own stamp inspired by their personality or favourite stories and heroes and use it to stamp their books, before lending them to their friends! Ages 6-10.<\/strong> Number of participants: up to 12 (on a first-come, first-served basis)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also at MOMus<\/strong>, the Network for Children\u2019s Rights<\/strong> with the support of HFBC<\/strong> organizes a workshop for children aged 5-8 titled \u201c<\/strong>What Brings Us Together?\u201d<\/strong>: A little BeeBot bee starts a journey into the kitchens of the world! Alongside the children, it discovers flavours and stories behind favourite recipes. Through play and exploration, children get a taste of different cultures and discover what brings us together. With Koula Panagou<\/strong>, Head of Educational Programmes, and Thanasis Kotsovos,<\/strong> Head of Children\u2019s Library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Art Exhibitions – Tributes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

HFBC<\/strong>, in collaboration with the Greek Section of IBBY <\/strong>\u2013 Circle of the Greek Children\u2019s Book<\/strong>, has prepared the major visual arts exhibition \u201c<\/strong>The Heroes<\/strong>\u2019 <\/strong>Library: Ex Libris from Fantasy Literature\u201d<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if our favourite literary heroes had their own library? What would their personal Ex Libris look like, with which they would stamp their books? How would it be designed to express their personality, interests, and universe? Greek illustrators are inspired by heroes of children\u2019s, young adult, and classic literature and create fantasy-themed Ex Libris stamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participating illustrators – artists:<\/strong> Konstantina Archontaki, Stella Dimitrakopoulou, Mairilia Fotiadou, Emmanouela Kakavia, Natalia Kapatsoulia, Garyfallia Leftheri, Eleni Leonida, Kostis Makris, Dimitra Papadimitriou, Aikaterini Pouliasi, Evangelia Simantiri, Katerina Sotiropoulou, Daniela Stamatiadi, Fotini Stefanidi, Lela Stroutsi, Eleni Tsaldiri, Maria Tzampoura<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also a Student Exhibition<\/strong> will be held: Following an open call, students from different age groups are inspired by their favourite heroes of children\u2019s, young adult, and classic literature and create art for their own imaginary Ex Libris stamps. Participating schools:<\/strong> 3rd Kindergarten of Thessaloniki, 26th Kindergarten of Thessaloniki, 1st Primary School of Oreokastro, Mandoulides Schools, Kalamari French-Greek School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, HFBC<\/strong>, in collaboration with the Center for the Study and Dissemination of Myths and Folktales<\/strong>, has prepared a tribute to the Guest of honour country, Bulgaria<\/strong>, titled \u201c<\/strong>BGR <\/strong>\u2013 Letters That Unite. Bridges and Passages\u201d<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an artistic and educational project<\/strong> based on the folk oral tradition of Bulgaria and Greece, which utilizes live storytelling in combination with modern technological forms of listening. Through narrations, audio traces, and the dissemination of content via podcasts,<\/strong> the project highlights the common ways in which stories travel from place to place and from generation to generation, functioning as bridges of culture and memory connecting people across borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos of the Reading Culture programme<\/u> <\/strong>participants <\/strong>can be accessed HERE<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>and photos of the Ex Libris-exhibitions<\/u> <\/strong>can be accessed HERE<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More information and details for the 22nd TBF programme will be announced in the coming days. You can also visit the fair\u2019s website https:\/\/www.thessalonikibookfair.gr\/<\/a>, which, just like the social media managed by HFBC, will be constantly updated and enriched.


The Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TBF) is organized by the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) in collaboration with TIF\u2013HELEXPO, Greek publishers, and the Municipality of Thessaloniki, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Central Macedonia. It is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, within the framework of the ROP Central Macedonia 2021-2027. TBF is a member of the International Book Fairs Forum and the European Book Fairs Network ALDUS UP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Within the framework of the 2026-27 Year of Reading Culture, as declared by HFBC, the organization is planning and supporting a wide range of events, discussions, and activities at this year\u2019s Thessaloniki International Book Fair, aimed at both adults and children. In the Professional Programme,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3330,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3328","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3328"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3328\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3337,"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3328\/revisions\/3337"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3328"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3328"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thessalonikibookfair.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}