The Ninth Edition of #ioleggoperché: A Hymn to Reading

Saturday, November 9 marks the start of the ninth edition of #ioleggoperché, an important national initiative promoted by the Italian Publishers Association (AIE) for the promotion of reading and the strengthening of school libraries. This year, the project involves 4.2 million students in 28,285 schools and 350 nursery schools, receiving the Medal of the President of the Republic for the ninth consecutive year, an award that underlines the importance of the initiative.

An Investment in the Future

The president of AIE, Innocenzo Cipolletta, underlined the importance of school libraries as reading infrastructures, capable of offering children and young people the opportunity to discover the pleasure of reading. He highlighted how this value is particularly significant for those who do not have access to books in their families. The initiative, which will continue until November 17, is made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and in collaboration with various institutions, including the Ministry of Education and Merit and the Italian Library Association (AIB). Starting November 9, anyone can contribute by going to one of the 3,939 participating bookstores to donate a book to participating schools and nursery schools. Over one thousand #ioleggoperché Messengers will be present in the bookstores: passionate readers, students and librarians ready to recommend the most suitable titles to donate.

Extraordinary Involvement in the World of Sports

This edition also stands out for the active participation of the world of football. After the initial support of Serie A, the campaign continues with Lega Serie B and Serie C on November 8, 9 and 10. The footballers will take to the field with a book to donate to children. In the last weekend of donations, books will also be protagonists in the fields of Serie C and for the first time in the Women’s Serie A. The mobilization will extend to writers and publishers, with new supporters such as Benedetta Parodi and Fabio Caressa who will amplify the message through their social channels. Furthermore, the Rai series “Un posto al sole” will give visibility to the event with two dedicated episodes. On November 9 a promotional spot will be broadcast on all Rai television networks, supported by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

A Look to the Future

This year, the “The Future Begins with a Book” contest is offering prizes to the most creative schools in engaging students in reading. 10 vouchers of 1,000 euros will be awarded to the winning schools, along with an eleventh prize for schools in Southern Italy to further encourage active participation. With initiatives like #ioleggoperché, a better future is built through reading, involving entire communities in a simple but fundamental gesture: donating a book.