Nuit des Bibliothèques ('Night of Libraries') is making its annual return on Friday 22 December. This year, the festival has been extended to the entire network of 128 libraries across French-speaking Belgium.
On the evening of 22 December, children and their families will be treated to story time in their pyjamas on the theme of nighttime and cuddly toys across libraries in Brussels and Wallonia. Until 31 January, there will also be a Sandman tour and 'Doudou it yourself' workshops, in which children can create their own imaginative soft toys inspired by the books they discover.
The Un Doudou, un livre et au lit! ('A cuddly toy, a book and off to bed!') campaign was kickstarted by the Central Walloon Library 12 years ago. The festival's aim is to raise families' awareness of the benefits of reading for toddlers through bonding activities.
Credit: Belga
This year, activities are being expanded across the network of 128 French-speaking public libraries. All Walloon provinces and the Brussels-Capital Region can participate.
"Encouraging families to explore libraries and allowing the youngest to enjoy the pleasure and benefits of reading is one of my objectives," Culture Minister Benedict Linard noted, emphasising that all activities offered are free of charge.
