The Slovenian Book Agency has become a member of EURead, a network of European organisations committed to the development of reading culture and supporting readers of all generations. Founded in 2000, EURead unites organisations that believe that reading is vital for full participation in today’s media-oriented and culturally diverse society.

The core mission of EURead is to exchange knowledge, experience, and working methods, as well as to jointly develop strategies for more effective promotion of reading culture across Europe. Its members are committed to promoting reading as a fundamental skill that enables critical thinking and active participation in society. The network organises various projects, conferences and workshops to strengthen cooperation between organisations promoting reading.

EURead includes 38 organisations from 27 countries: Kitabistan (Azerbaijan); Österreichisches Bibliothekswerk and Was steht da? (Austria); Federation of European Publishers, Iedereen Leest, and Medienzentrum Ostbelgien (Belgium); Chetene – Reading Foundation and Detski Knigi Foundation (Bulgaria); Ministarstvo kulture i medija Republike Hrvatske (Croatia); Svět knihy (Czechia); Lukukeskus Läscentrum (Finland); Stiftung Lesen and LitCam (Germany); Diavazontas Megalono (Greece); HUNRA – Hungarian Reading Association (Hungary); Children’s Books Ireland (Ireland); Nati per Leggere (Italy); Martynas Mažvydas National Library (Lithuania); National Literacy Agency (Malta); Stichting Lezen (Netherlands); Foreningen !les (Norway); Good Books – Lubimyczytać.pl, the Polish Book Institute, and Universal Reading Foundation (Poland); Plano Nacional de Leitura (Portugal); Krajina čitatel’ov (Slovakia); Slovenian Book Agency (Slovenia); Asociación Artística Sociocultural Mestiza and Libranda (Spain); Bonniers Familjestiftelse (Sweden); Schweizerisches Institut für Kinder- und Jugendmedien (Switzerland); AÇEV and Turkish Publishers Association (Turkey); Ukrainian Book Institute (Ukraine); and BookTrust and BookTrust Scotland (United Kingdom).

Joining EURead will allow the Slovenian Book Agency to collaborate more closely with European partners, exchange proven approaches, and develop innovative programmes to strengthen reading culture in Slovenia. Membership will also provide an opportunity to gain a better understanding of European trends in reading culture, as well as access to professional resources and research.

This week, the annual regular meeting of the network’s members is taking place in Brussels, marking the first time JAK is participating. The event offers a chance to share experiences and coordinate future projects.

To learn more about EURead, visit their website: www.euread.eu.