Storybook reading held on weekend

JAKARTA (JP): The Society for Advancement of Children's Literature will hold a two-day storybook reading at Bentara Budaya on Saturday and Sunday.

The event, held in conjunction with National Children's Day, will consist of six-hour uninterrupted readings. It is aimed at helping stimulate children's interest in reading, training them to concentrate and to learn about the meaning of tolerance.

"It's meant to be a free family program so parents and relatives are welcome," Murti Bunanta SS, chief of the society, said on Tuesday.

The organizing committee has selected 110 local and foreign folktales. The books will be read by dozens of volunteers from various backgrounds, including teachers, journalists, artists, models and businesspeople.

Bunanta promised the readings would be interesting and readers were well prepared.

"Listeners may come at any time and choose the tales they like," she said.

The readings begin at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m each day. (pan)