The M&B community library in Moundou, Chad, officially launched the 10th edition of Book Month on November 4. The ceremony was attended by numerous students and pupils from various districts of the commune. The library's promoter, Naramadji Mékonné, emphasized the importance of placing books and their actors at the center of this cultural event. He expressed concern about the lack of reading infrastructure in Chad.
Mékonné stressed that celebrating Book Month without involving writers and book chain actors is like celebrating Christmas without Jesus. He highlighted that the event should promote reading, value writers, and bring young people closer to literature. The promoter lamented the poor state of the book sector in Chad, citing a lack of libraries, bookstores, and professionals in the book chain. This situation is particularly worrying in large cities like Moundou, where reading spaces are insufficient.
Despite ten years of celebrating Book Month, Chad still faces a significant shortage of reading infrastructure. Mékonné noted that the M&B community library is an important space for students, pupils, and reading enthusiasts, offering access to books and a meeting place for exchange and learning. For this 2026 edition, the organizers aim to follow the orientations of the Ministry of Culture, including the introduction of 15 minutes of daily reading in institutions.
Mékonné invited students, pupils, and citizens to integrate daily reading into their routine, emphasizing the importance of making reading a habit. Several activities are planned for this 10th edition, including conferences, debates, storytelling nights, and recreational games for young people. Inter-school dictation and public reading competitions are also scheduled. The library aims to make Book Month a space for sharing, gathering, and conviviality among young people.
The launch ceremony included a tribute to Chadian writer Isaac Tédambé, who died recently. Mékonné recalled Tédambé's contribution to national literature, particularly his book "La République à vendre", which is known to many readers at the library. The promoter invited attendees to observe a minute of silence in memory of Tédambé before officially launching the library's activities for 2026.
The M&B community library's initiative aims to promote reading and literature in Chad, particularly among young people. The library's promoter emphasized the need to make reading a habit and not an occasional activity. The 10th Book Month celebration will feature various activities, including conferences, debates, and competitions, designed to engage young people and promote a love of reading.
The celebration will continue with various events, including conferences, debates, and recreational activities. The library's goal is to bring young people together around books, thought, and knowledge, while developing their taste for reading. The 10th edition of Book Month in Chad's Moundou community library has been launched, promoting reading and literature in the country.
Key points
- The M&B community library in Moundou, Chad, has launched its 10th Book Month celebration, promoting reading and literature in the country.
- The library's promoter, Naramadji Mékonné, emphasized the importance of placing books and their actors at the center of this cultural event.
- The celebration features various activities, including conferences, debates, and competitions, designed to engage young people and promote a love of reading.
