Kazakhstan Marks Inaugural National Book Day, Encouraging Reading and Nurturing Literary Tradition
Celebrating the Joy of Reading in Kazakhstan
ASTANA - Embracing a digital age, Kazakhstan marked its first-ever National Book Day on April 23, 2025, aiming to foster a love for reading and promote intellectual growth in a society shifting towards a more tech-savvy landscape. The presidential initiative, spearheaded by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizes reading as a catalyst for "deep thoughts" and progressive thinking, particularly among the youth.
President Tokayev heralded the occasion, emphasizing that books remain vital, even in a digital world. "Through books, young people cultivate the ability to think broadly and progressively. These values lay the foundation for shaping a modern, progressive nation," he stated.
In a digital age, where the role of conventional books may change, books hold a central place in society, albeit evolving in format. Zhuldyz Omarbek, founder of QazaqMura digital library, encapsulated this sentiment, saying, "Books remain relevant, although their formats have evolved. They're more accessible than ever."
Digitalization has opened access to rare manuscripts and archives, yet it poses fresh challenges. With the abundance of information comes the difficulty of verifying sources and staying focused. Libraries play a crucial role in addressing these issues, according to Omarbek.
The country boasts 3,920 public libraries, with over 55 million visitors in 2024. The government has modernized 800 school libraries in the past year, adding more than 1.7 million new books to the collections.
However, instilling a genuine love for reading proves challenging. In recent years, Kazakhstan has seen a surge in publishing houses, from 13 in 2014 to around 70. The demand for books has grown, with one publisher selling three million tenge worth of books – a stark contrast to the initial US$192 sales. Yet, there's a concerning trend emerging among younger readers – they often rely on artificial intelligence to read only summaries, bypassing the depth and richness of full books.
Meanwhile, Kazakh author Mariya Omar's bestselling novel, "Honey and a Touch of Wormwood," has struck a chord with readers. The book traces the lives of several generations of women in one family, resonating deeply with readers, particularly women who see reflections of their families in the story.
Omar found inspiration in her grandmother's remarkable life and committed to writing the book after her father's passing in 2020. The narrative evolved from her grandmother to her mother and eventually to herself. Her grandmother's journey, fraught with hardship and resilience, remains a source of inspiration and pride for Omar.
Social media and book clubs have transformed how readers engage with literature, allowing them to interact with authors, share feedback, and join discussions. These platforms bring literature to life and foster a dynamic, interconnected reading community.
Developments in e-books and audiobooks offer greater convenience and affordability, and they're more environmentally friendly. Yet, what truly matters is the content. As Omar rightly points out, books allow us to delve into someone else's mind, reflect, and grow more empathetic.
As Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its reading culture, it must navigate challenges such as maintaining cultural relevance amidst a deluge of global digital content, addressing generational and technological divides, and fostering deep, thoughtful reading among younger audiences. With its strategic initiatives and community engagement, Kazakhstan is well on its way to promoting a vibrant, diverse reading culture that enriches and empowers its citizens.
- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his National Book Day celebration speech, emphasized the importance of books even in a digital world, stating that they foster broad and progressive thinking.
- In the home-and-garden segment of a popular news channel, Zhuldyz Omarbek, founder of QazaqMura digital library, applauded books for evolving and remaining more accessible than ever in the digital age.
- As part of a book review on entertainment television, a critic noted the growing reliance of younger readers on artificial intelligence to read summaries instead of entire books, expressing concern over the loss of depth and richness in the process.
- In a literary discussion group on social media, readers talked about Mariya Omar's bestselling novel, "Honey and a Touch of Wormwood," praising its insightful exploration of generational life experiences and its potential to inspire empathy and reflection in readers.
