4/21/2015

Groningen, Folkingestraat, and Antiquariaat Isis are preparing for UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day!

An ILAB Pop Up Book Fair Street on 23 April! Wow!


In the old centre of Groningen is the former Jewish neighbourhood where you will find the Folkingestraat. It is surely the most surprising shopping street in the Netherlands. This most attractive small street is lined with about fifty shops and is home to a beautiful synagogue. In an inspiring example of working cooperatively Antiquariaat Isis, the only ILAB affiliate and member of the Dutch Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (NVvA) in this area, is organising a unique celebration of UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day. For eight hours on April 23rd the Folkingestraat will become an ILAB Pop Up Book Street!

On this very special day the synagogue  and every business  in the street, whether they sell books or not, will work together to promote books and literacy. In every  window along the Folkingestraat the business owners will create displays which celebrate the diversity and importance of books. Their windows will tell the story of what books mean to them,  feature their favourite books, show books about the products they sell. In the window of the Halal butcher you can see, for example, books from the 18th century about cattle.  In the nearby toy shop there will be an exhibition of old children’s books. Wandering along the Folkingestraat on April 23rd will be a treat for booklovers and an inspiration for those who have not had the opportunity to see such treasures before. 

On reaching the synagogue you will be invited to watch the movie ‘Stanley and Iris’ which stars Robert de Niro and Jane Fonda. This film, based on the book ‘Union Street’ by Pat Barker tells a powerful story which illustrates the huge handicap  illiteracy is and the enormous power of being able to read. At the three bookstores on Folkingestraat , Antiquariaat Isis, Albert Hogeveen, De Wijde Wereld, and at the synagogue members of the public will be invited to join the fight for  literacy by donating to UNESCO’s Sudan literacy program.



> What a great idea and a wonderful way to celebrate UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day!

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