"To be a nation with progressive thinking means to read books." These words belong to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev. At the third meeting of the National Kurultai, he gave instructions to establish a National Book Day in the Republic of Kazakhstan. As a result, the list of commemorative dates in our country has been expanded with a new holiday – April 23 is now officially celebrated as National Book Day.

In honor of this event, Book Week is being held from April 16 to 23, with the official opening taking place on April 16.

The event was opened with a congratulatory speech by Samal Shayakhmetova, Director of the Saken Seifullin Central Library of the Zhetysu Region. In her speech, she emphasized that the book is a spiritual foundation of the nation, and that today’s event is an important step in promoting this value.

Also speaking at the event were writer, journalist, and president of the “Janr” literary club, Esbolat Aydabosyn, as well as young poets and writers of the region. In their speeches, they highlighted that a book is a priceless treasure of the human soul, a measure of spiritual wealth, and a reflection of human intellect. Participants also read excerpts from their own poetic works.

As part of the event, a “Book Defile” was held, showcasing the most read and popular books.

To conclude the celebration, singer Kuralay Shayakhmetova from the Danesh Raqyshev Regional Philharmonic performed traditional Kazakh songs on the dombra, creating a unique atmosphere of traditional music for the attendees.

Young poets and writers, readers, college students, and schoolchildren took part in the festive event.

In the library foyer, a book exhibition titled “Literary Peaks of Zhetysu” was organized, dedicated to regional authors celebrating anniversaries this year. A bibliographic review of the books was also presented. Additionally, a book fair featuring the publishers “Marfu-Press”, “Mazmundama”, and “Arnau Print” took place.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zhetysu-archive/press/news/details/977816?lang=kk