Captivating stories of wizards and one-eyed monsters to read

New book club offers a variety of storybooks, novels and comics for children.


News Desk June 28, 2012



In an effort to promote the book culture among children, Pakistan’s leading publishing house National Book Foundation (NBF) started a book club on Wednesday, said a press release.


The Supreme Book Club, established with the support of Global System of Integrated Studies (GSIS) at NBF’s head offices, aims to inspire children to read more and stimulate their intellectual and social development.

The first day at the club featured a reading and storytelling session by seven teachers, who read out stories and excerpts from Harry Potter, “Jin Dada Aur Doosri Kahanian”, “Wataio Faqir”, “Aao Mil Kar Hansein”, “Patoo Billi” and “Jila Watan” to a group of 17 children.

Aged between 6 and 10, the children could be seen fully captivated as Madam Zafishan and GSIS Coordinator Sara Munawar read out “Aik Aankh Wala Deo” and “Jo Yoon Hota Tow Kia Hota” respectively.

Following the reading session, the children were allowed to explore the club and pick up books of their choice. A relaxed and friendly environment was provided to children, who could be seen lying on cushions with their favourite stories in their hands.

“The club aims to promote culture of book reading among children,” said NBF Managing Director and internationally known short story writer Mazharul Islam, who conceived the idea. He has to his credit of introducing many such unique projects including village library, travellers library and prisons library during the last couple of years.

“Flying Book Club” and “ Books on Wheels” are just a few names that come to mind when talking about the initiative taken by the him to revive the book-reading culture. Book clubs have been established in various public places across the country to provide readers with easy and free access to books. Railway stations, hospitals and airports have also joined hands with the NBF to encourage people to read books. “It is discouraging to see people, especially children watch pointless soap operas and TV programmes instead of reading books,” Islam lamented.

NBF is welcoming all children between the age of 5 and 15 to join the summer club, to enjoy a large collection of storybooks, novels and comics. The club will also hold sessions on book binding and book publishing.

NBF book ambassadors will also visit the club to share their knowledge and experience with the participants. Interested parents of children can contact NBF Deputy Director Afshan Sajid for registration.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2012.

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