Damascus, April (SANA) The Syrian National Library will host a Children’s Book Fair from April 21 to 26 as part of efforts to promote reading among younger generations.
The event will bring together books and interactive activities for children, adolescents and families, with a daily program running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to organizers.
Zuhair al-Barri, Director of the Children’s Culture Directorate at the Ministry of Culture, said the fair follows strong participation by young audiences in the Damascus International Book Fair, prompting the launch of a dedicated children’s event.
Activities will be held inside the National Library, while outdoor spaces will host programs designed for children, he said.
Around 50 publishing houses specializing in children’s books are expected to take part in the week-long event, which will include school visits in the morning coordinated with the Ministry of Education, and family-oriented activities in the afternoon and evening.
The program will feature children’s theater performances, including plays, songs and films, as well as cultural competitions. A dedicated arts section will offer drawing, coloring, visual arts and music activities, alongside face painting.
Organizers said a separate section for adolescents will include around 20 educational games, while outdoor areas will host physical activities and competitions aimed at developing children’s motor skills.
The event will also include daily contests and prizes, as well as screenings of films for children. A segment will be devoted to showcasing young talents, allowing children to perform in singing, poetry and storytelling.
Al-Barri said the fair aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to promote reading and expand access to books, noting that children remain central to the country’s cultural strategy.
The fair is expected to provide a platform to strengthen children’s engagement with books through an interactive environment combining learning and entertainment.
Abdul
