A Circus of Reading: Highlights of National Book Week 2024

A circus is often associated with fun, excitement, and a variety of activities that captivate and amaze. This year, the Katigbak Education and Media Center (KEMC) brought that same sense of wonder into the library to celebrate National Book Week 2024, held from 18-22 November 2024.

The theme for this year, “Magbasa, Mangarap, Magdiwang!” (Read, Dream, Celebrate!), was inspired by the National Library of the Philippines’ chosen theme. The KEMC embraced this theme, believing it resonates deeply with the transformative impact that reading has, especially on children.

Before the week-long celebration began, several pre-National Book Week activities were held in the library:

• Kinder Story Telling: Kinder students were entertained by our guest storyteller, Mrs. Nina Daza-Puyat, who shared a story about “The Forlorn Rice Cooker.”

• Daily Library Trivia: Students in grades 2-6 participated in this engaging activity, searching for trivia questions cleverly hidden throughout the library.

• Make Your Own Comics: Grades 3 and 4 students showcased their creativity and artistic talents by creating comics inspired by the Book Week theme.

One of the highlights of the celebration was Book Character Day, where students, faculty, and staff arrived in costumes portraying their favorite book characters. This colorful event highlighted the community’s creativity and enthusiasm for literature.

During the week, winners of the Daily Library Trivia and Make Your Own Comics contests were recognized and awarded for their efforts.

Grade 1 students also participated in Class Trivia during their Media and Information Literacy Program (MILP) classes, adding to the fun and learning.

The Grade School also partnered with booksellers and publishers to host a week-long Book Fair, offering a wide selection of books and learning materials.  

Faculty members and staff also had their share of fun and engagement:

• KEMC Café: A cozy setup where faculty enjoyed coffee and snacks while browsing the book exhibit.

• Target Trivia: A creative trivia game where participants throw darts to select questions and test their knowledge.

• Book-it-to-Win: Lucky borrowers won exciting prizes for their participation.
• Cipher: Digital Escape Room: Faculty and staff demonstrated their problem-solving skills as they worked through intricate online puzzles.
• KEMC Incentive Cards were also given to teachers and staff who borrowed materials from the library. 

The celebration concluded on a high note with the Page to Stage: Readers’ Theater, launched by the Ateneo Book Club. This activity showcased the students’ talents while encouraging a deeper love for reading through performance.

National Book Week 2024 was truly a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the joy of reading, bringing the entire school community together under the circus of literature.