The Croatian Book Month and the tenth anniversary of the “I want to read!” campaign, launched in 2016 by the Croatian Library Association, were marked by two public events that brought together students, scientists, authors and readers. Science panel on misinformation – 4 November, Zagreb At the Natural Science School of Vladimir Prelog (address: Prirodoslovna škola Vladimira Preloga 4) a science forum titled “How to distinguish scientific fact from myth?” was held. The panel was moderated by Professor Željko Krstanac and featured Dr. sc. Martina Pavlek, Dr. sc. Nikola Biliškov and Dr. sc. Kristina Tomić Luketić. The discussion focused on everyday challenges posed by digital media, including artificial intelligence, social networks, pseudoscience, dietary supplements and the influence of paid content. The speakers stressed the importance of asking critical questions, checking sources and recognising the difference between evidence‑based claims and personal beliefs or promotional messages. They illustrated the scientific method by linking physics, chemistry and biology, and explained how evidence shapes conclusions. The event was part of the campaign’s effort to promote media literacy and equal access to knowledge for people with reading difficulties and dyslexia. School librarian Ksenija Banović helped prepare the programme, while the school principal, Zlatko Stić, expressed support for initiatives that encourage reading and learning. Author meeting – 5 November, Pleternica The following day, the Pleternica Library and Reading Room hosted author Igor Beleš, winner of the 2023 Fran Galović Award for his novel Listanje kupusa. The meeting was organised by the campaign in cooperation with the “Book Quarter” project, a local initiative that links literature with the community. Sandra Domijan Radujković, deputy director of the campaign, coordinated the event with the library’s staff. In his opening remarks, Beleš highlighted the campaign’s European recognition, noting that the European Union’s Open Methods Coordination Group (OMK) listed the campaign as a model for library practice that fosters social cohesion and community building. Library director Josip Šebalj connected the author’s work to the remembrance of the Battle of Vukovar, underscoring how literature can preserve collective memory. Beleš, born in Vukovar in 1978 and now based in Rijeka, discussed the novel’s plot, which follows a group of eleven‑year‑olds in the Borovo settlement in 1991 as they confront the disruptions of war. He explained how the book’s child perspective brings the war’s impact into everyday life, and how literature can help younger generations understand historical events. The author also spoke about his literary career, including his first novel Svitanje na zapadu (2012) and his role in the literary magazine Književnost uživo. The event was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and the Tourism Board of Pleternica. Library staff, including librarian Martina Pulpan, ensured a welcoming environment for the author and the audience. Both meetings were part of the campaign’s anniversary programme, which aims to provide equal access to books and information for people with reading difficulties and dyslexia. The campaign’s activities, carried out in partnership with schools and libraries, demonstrate how collaborative efforts can promote critical thinking, media literacy and cultural engagement across different audiences.
Article source: Večernji List | Image credit: Večernji List