"Lire Notre Monde," a major event to celebrate Strasbourg as the World Book Capital 2024!

"Lire Notre Monde," the project that puts reading in the spotlight!

Strasbourg, the first French city to be designated as UNESCO's World Book Capital 2024, is embracing the Inside Out protocol to involve citizens in "Lire Notre Monde," the central theme of the year-long program. With the network of libraries, all residents—young and old, individuals and professionals—are invited to participate by sharing their portrait with their favorite book. This initiative encourages everyone, regardless of culture or socio-professional background, to play a crucial role in promoting reading, highlighting it as a universal means of accessing the world, imagination, and ideas.

Two particpants pasting posters, June 2024

Photo Tour: Getting Close to the Residents!

In addition to submitting portraits with favorite books on the website lirenotremonde.strasbourg.eu, a large-scale photo tour from September to November 2023, featuring a professional photographer, was organized in the city and Eurometropolis libraries. In collaboration with socio-cultural centers and schools, the action took place in 14 areas, inviting the public to come in and pose for a photo, even using the mobile library bus!

Particpants pasting posters, June 2024

Display: A Welcome Message in the World Book Capital City!

The final stage of the protocol established by artist JR involves revealing the photographs of residents.

The first display in April 2024 will feature a giant installation on the glass roof of Strasbourg train station, in partnership with SNCF Gare et Connexions, as a welcoming message to travelers. Following in June, black-and-white posters measuring 90 cm by 135 cm will be placed in public spaces, creating an outdoor art gallery accessible to everyone. Volunteers are invited to visit the libraries where they were photographed to see their posters and participate in the random unveiling of all these engaged readers' portraits!

Photo of the "Lire Notre Monde" installation at the train station, Photographed by David Pequin, June 2024

Check the action page for more information