On the occasion of the upcoming edition of National Reading, we present a brief history of this unique initiative.
National Reading is a nationwide campaign promoting reading, initiated in 2012 by the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski. The idea behind the event is to read together the most important works of Polish literature – classics that unite generations and remind us of the richness of our culture. Each year, the President of the Republic of Poland announces which book will be selected for the next edition.
The first edition was inaugurated with a joint reading of Adam Mickiewicz's ‘Pan Tadeusz’, which took place simultaneously in many cities and smaller towns throughout the country. A year later, the works of Aleksander Fredro were chosen, and in subsequent years, the selections included Henryk Sienkiewicz's ‘Trilogy’, Bolesław Prus's ‘The Doll’, ‘Quo Vadis’, Stefan Żeromski's ‘The Spring to Come’ and Juliusz Słowacki's plays.
Over time, the National Reading has become an annual celebration of literature. It traditionally takes place in September and involves not only schools, libraries and theatres, but also local communities, cultural institutions and even private individuals. In many places, performances and competitions are organised, and the texts are read by actors, teachers and residents themselves.
Today, the event has become an important part of Poland's cultural calendar and is one of the largest events promoting national literature.
LINK TO THE PRESIDENT'S WEBSITE: https://www.president.pl/
Polish-German Cross-Border Centre for Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Middle Odra Valley Region
