10th National Reading Marathon Launched To Inspire Children’s Love Of Books

The 10th edition of the National Reading Marathon has been launched, bringing together students from eight schools to celebrate reading and storytelling while encouraging more children to develop a lifelong love of books.

Launched by Education and Sport Minister Byron Camilleri and President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at St Joachim Primary School in Marsaskala, this year's edition is centred around the theme Surrounded by Stories. It focuses on stories from different cultures, giving children the opportunity to share their experiences, discover new traditions and strengthen the values of respect, empathy and inclusion.

During the event, students presented projects linked to the theme and took part in discussions with Reading Ambassadors. They also joined the Minister and the President Emeritus in reading sessions aimed at inspiring them to make reading part of their everyday lives.

Minister Camilleri said reading remains one of the most valuable tools children can have, helping them develop creativity, confidence and communication skills. He stressed that the Government is continuing to invest in Malta's public libraries to ensure more children and young people have access to books that interest them.

He highlighted the continued popularity of reading, noting that more than 700,000 books were borrowed from public libraries over the past year, with most loans made by children and young people. Almost 40,000 new books were also added to library collections, which are now available across nearly 60 public libraries in Malta and Gozo.

President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said every story has the power to bring people together and help children grow with respect, empathy and understanding.

Organised by the National Literacy Agency alongside The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society and The Malta Trust Foundation, the National Reading Marathon has been inspiring young readers since 2018 through activities that encourage children to read, share stories and learn from one another.

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