Municipality of Palaio Faliro

The aim was, through the cooperation of many agencies, to spread and promote the book and promote the love of reading among children. To get to know, walking with their parents, part of P.Faliros, characteristic landmarks-buildings of the city and favorite authors, to participate in cultural events, to feel a different experience from their contact with the book. This action, centered on books and the love of reading, took place on Saturday, April 20, 2019, in the context of Book Day, which has been established internationally by UNESCO on April 23 each year.

All the residents of Palaio Faliro, regardless of age or gender, participated in this action. There was no social or other restriction. The participation of people with disabilities was possible, due to the possibility of accessing all the selected points of interest and carrying out the activities.

Saturday, April 20, 2019.

This action, centered on the book and the love of reading, took place in P.Faliro, on Saturday, April 20, 2019 - in the context of the international Book Day of April 23, as established by UNESCO and taking place in the center of Athens with interesting events and actions of 17 Athenian bookstores and 2 libraries. In P. Faliro and due to the easy accessibility, mainly by walking, to bookstores and important buildings, the book walk was organized, with the participation of many different organizations. People of all ages, mainly many children with their parents, participated and traveled short distances between the selected points. The points of interest were local shops-bookstores and important landmarks of the city, such as I.N. Agios Alexandros and the Toy Museum (Benaki). The innovative features of the action were the combination of social, cultural, educational and reading-friendly activities as well as the combination of participation of public and private bodies, with a focus on the book and ultimately the better acquaintance with the place where children live and grow up.

For the organization of the 1st Book Walk in P.Faliro, the following collaborated:

The Municipality of P. Faliro, The Hellenic Book Association (EN.EL.BI.), the Benaki Games Museum, bookstores of the Municipality of P. Faliro, the I.N. Agios Alexandros, Primary Schools, Kindergartens, teachers, writers, illustrators, animators, private businesses, publishing houses.

Organizations from the Municipality of P. Faliro, educators, animators, writers and illustrators participated voluntarily and cooperated in the realization of the events and activities of the 1st book walk in P. Faliro.

1st stop: Booktalks bookstore (Ag. Alexandrou 58), excerpts and games from the book by Vangelis Iliopoulos "Whose smile suits you", Ed. Red Thread tied. Proceeds from the purchase of the book are given to support the purposes of the Association "PAI.DY" (Child, Strength, Patience)

2nd stop: Felouris Bookstore (Ag. Alexandrou 44), excerpt and interactive games from the book "Princess Fortune and how to conquer her", by Maria Themeli. The proceeds from the purchase of the book are given to support the Social Grocery Store of the Municipality of P.Faliros

3rd stop: I.N. Saint Alexander. Guided tour of the Temple by the educator and author Angeliki Mastromihalaki. Presentation of the works of K.Parthenis exhibited in the I.Naos and their historical, cultural and artistic value.

4th stop: Benaki Toy Museum (Posidonos Street 14 & Tritonos 1). Narration and interactive games by the author Eleni Geroulanou from the book "One Bear Once", Ed. Pataki & Benaki Museum. Visit to the Benaki Toy Museum and interactive games, based on the book and the exhibits.

The goals were to spread and promote the book and promote the love of reading among children, through events and actions with the cooperation of many agencies. We believe, based on the testimonies of the participants, that all the objectives were achieved. Children, parents and teachers actively participated in the activities, the children were given stimuli to gain knowledge on the cultural points of interest in their city and further engage with the good book, as well as play, draw and sing throughout. of actions.

With the completion of the events and actions, there was a positive impact on the cultural and educational policy of the Municipality of P. Faliros. The educational level was cultivated and raised, as much information of cultural content was acquired. There were also many opportunities for interaction and experiential participation, so that all participants could get the desired contact with the book and the promotion of reading. Even the books given to the children, in each of the locations where the action took place, were chosen with themes characteristic of our time (diversity, emotional intelligence, mental empowerment, empathy), so that there was an additional benefit for the little ones readers and their families.