16 August 2016
Some shiny, new shelves with books published by local publishing houses were installed in over a dozen hospitals and social welfare centres in Krakow. All because of the Shelves with Culture campaign, carried out as part of the Second Life of a Book cycle by the Krakow Festival Office – operator of the Krakow – UNESCO City of Literature programme.
A beautiful edition of Winnie the Pooh, Dlaczego oczy kota świecą w nocy? and guides for moms in the Children’s University Hospital and UJASTEK Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital, reportages by Max Cegielski at Babiński Hospital, the newest crime novels published by Insignis and Sine Qua Non at Local Activity Points and day rooms of the “Siemacha” Association... a total of 1,700 books in 17 locations! – the Shelves with Culture campaign proves that a book is the best medicine and an activity that allows us to open ourselves and get to know the world around us.
“The shelf is located in the hall of one of the youth wards. It is used by the patients, their families and our staff, who also bring their own books they already read”, said Aleksandra Rumińska from the St Louis Voivodeship Specialist Children’s Hospital in Krakow.
“The most important goal of the project was to spark the passion for reading in the most socially sensitive places, including those located outside of the city centre, traditionally associated with cultural life; places, where reading is very often the first and the easiest form of introduction to the fascinating world of culture, a form of entertainment which gives strength for fighting the disease and loneliness”, added Izabela Helbin, director of the Krakow Festival Office.
The campaign is a part of the literary education strategy, carried out in relation to the Kraków – UNESCO City of Literature Programme, operated by the City of Krakow and the Krakow Festival Office. Apart from the creation of a network of DŻK shelves, literary activities are also planned – film workshops, as well as special event – reading fairy tales with our surprise special guest.
The organisations participating in the Shelves with Culture project are:
Books for the shelves were provided by:
The project was financed from the funds of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as part of the Accessible Culture programme.
