Cuban Libraries Support Group

20 May 1999

Dear Editor,

RE: Cuban National Reading Programme

The Ministries of Culture and Education of the Republic of Cuba have united their forces to establish a National Programme for the Development of Reading. This is a strategic, long-term programme based on the collective efforts of all those groups and institutions interested in promoting books and reading among the Cuban people. These include : National Library Jose Marti ; Cuban Institute of the Book ; Cuban Society of Friends of the Book ;

Cuban Institute of Radio and Television ; and the National Centre of Community Culture. The general objectives of the programme are :

1. to further the humanistic, cultural value and the social meaning of books and reading

2. to promote the pleasure of reading in children from the very young to adolescents

3. to help the reader to find books and services that may satisfy their growing needs and expectations

4. to strengthen the role of schools, libraries and other related social institutions linked to the promotion of books and reading

5. to ensure that the introduction of new technologies does not compete with, but rather contributes to the encouragement of reading

6. to involve communities and families in the activities of the programme

7. to encourage the creative and active participation of the media in the development of the programme

8. to provide the participants and promoters of the programme with advanced techniques and approaches that facilitate the achievement of the proposed goals and objectives.

9. to coordinate and to develop research on reading

10. to coordinate and to give a rational use to the efforts and resources that may be available in Cuba for the development of the programme.

This is similar to our National Year for Reading, but on a longer term basis. The programme organisers would like to establish links with UK librarians who are interested in reading promotion. They are also looking for ideas regarding the education and training of specialists in this field. They welcome any help that could improve their collections for children, adolescents and youth.

They would like to receive information about events on reading that take place in the UK, and help in circulating the activities that take place in Cuba. Those that wish to help should contact Biblioteca Nacional Jose Marti, Plaza de la Revolucion, Havana, Cuba.

Yours sincerely,

John Pateman

Head of Libraries & Heritage

For more information about the Cuban Libraries Support Group, contact John Pateman at John.Pateman@merton.gov.uk

John Pateman is a member of the Society of Chief Librarians and has visited Cuban libraries in 1993, 1995, 1999 and 2000.

Last updated 6/28/2000

Copyright © 2000 Cuban Libraries Support Group

Please send comments, questions, and corrections regarding this website to the Cuban Libraries Support Group webmaster.