The National Day of Reading

The National Day of Reading was proclaimed by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture in response to concerning data on the decline of reading habits among both children and adults. It is conceived as a central day of awareness about the importance of reading and will serve as a starting point and connecting platform for year-round reading initiatives. The day emphasizes reading as a fundamental cultural and civilizational value that transcends individual projects.

In selecting the date, the Ministry of Culture followed the proposal of the initiators, including the Slovenian Reading Association, the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education, the custodians of the legacy of Dr. Manca Košir, and many others who have been systematically working in the field of reading culture for years.

March 5 marks the birthday of Dr. Manca Košir — an exceptional intellectual, publicist, literary author, and ambassador of reading — who, through her life and work, connected the creation of texts with the encouragement of reading and the exploration of reading practices.

We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating.

The central event of the National Day of Reading will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Judgement Tower (Sodni stolp) in Maribor. The keynote speaker will be Mr. Marko Rusjan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture. He will be joined on stage by Dr. Sabina Fras Popović, President of the Slovenian Reading Association; Žiga Valetič, custodian of Dr. Manca Košir’s legacy; and Dr. Miha Kovač, who will present the Manifesto for Reading in the 21st Century.

The central event will reflect this year’s slogan, READING IS JOY, highlighting the importance of inspiring motivation for reading. The program will also feature pupils from Janko Glazer Primary School in Ruše and students from the First Gymnasium Maribor, who will share their reflections on the importance of reading. Cellist Gorazd Strlič will provide musical accompaniment.