ZIBF to promote reading culture

Arts Correspondent

This year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair aims at igniting and promoting a reading culture that will result in sustainable development of the book industry and the nation at large. Running under the theme “Igniting Interest in Reading for Sustainable Development”, the book fair is set for July 25 to 30 with the Indaba Conference slated for July 25 and 26 at the Harare Gardens.In a statement, ZIBF chairperson Blazios Tafirei said the theme was chosen from several possibilities derived from recommendations made by participants at Indaba 2015 through their Evaluation Forms and a conclusion that Reading is the major ingredient missing in the literally value chain.

“The subject of Reading for Sustainable Development is an essential axis which goes a long way in the improvement of people’s lifestyles through improved qualitative and functional education, incomes, skills development, ability to read and write (literary skills), more creativity and employment opportunities,” he said.

He highlighted that this year’s Indaba will be focusing more on the reader.

“The area of focus in this Indaba is the reader whose interest in reading needs to be ignited and aroused in the face of other media that hold the attention of readers. Television, films, videos and music all target the book reader though reading goes on when people extract information from televisions, films, videos and music,

“We therefore urge and encourage contributors to the 2016 Indaba to come up with ideas that will benefit all participants in the book value chain,” he said.

Last year’s book fair was held under the theme “Growing the Knowledge Economy through Research, Writing, Publishing and Reading” and ran from July 27 to August 1.

Founded in 1983, ZIBF is an association of book publishing industry stakeholders of Zimbabwe with mandates that include bringing together primary, key and secondary stakeholders of the book industry to celebrate the achievements of the sector through discussions, exhibitions and live literature.