Bangkok Launches Read & Learn Festival; Public Libraries to Participate

The city of Bangkok kicked off its "Read & Learn Festival" on Wednesday, which will run throughout March as part of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt's plan to organise a festival every month in the capital.

The festival's launch was led by Deputy Bangkok Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon at the Bangkok City Library in Phra Nakhon, according to a press release by Bangkok's Public Relations Office today.

The month-long festival will see reading and learning activities throughout the capital, including the city library and public libraries in 34 districts. These will also be held in government agencies' and companies' libraries, indie bookstores, as well as book clubs.

As per the release, the "Read & Learn Festival" will coincide with two literacy- and book-related events, namely the Bangkok International Book Fair and the National Book Fair, which will take place from March 30-April 9 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

“The city designs each festival to promote unique characteristics of each neighbourhood by telling its story and boosting its economic potential,” Wangsrangboon was quoted as saying. “We also hope that the festivals will attract tourists to these neighbourhoods even after the events end.”