The Esplanade at Caudan Waterfront was buzzing on Saturday 22nd April even late in the afternoon and early evening. The reason behind this was World Book Day, and for the occasion the organising committee presented a full timetable of activities for the day.

“This is the fourth event of its kind and World Book Day will now become an annual celebration in Mauritius, we want to promote books and the benefits of reading as well as our Mauritian authors and their important contribution to our society,” says Yves Chan Kam Lon, the director of the National Library.

The festival this year was under the theme ‘Read, Grow and Succeed’ with the opening ceremony at 10am - a full day of activities from poetry recitals and live entertainment – till 10pm plus 24 stands of books on sale at special discounted prices from various bookshops around the island including Editions de l’océan Indien, International Press and Book Distributors. With information and the distribution of sweets, books and writing material to children by the National library and Centre Culturel Charles Baudelaire, this day certainly had something for everybody no matter what age or reading preference.

“Reading is a very important element in our lives, everybody young and old should be given the chance to learn to read, it is one of the best tools for a healthy way of life with the ability to read life in full. For children, it should be fun, by playing games and being active, the youngsters learn to read through play and don’t even realize they are learning” comments Simon Ingram-Hill the director of British Council Mauritius.

Let them enjoy the chance to read</B>