Books are the keystone of information and expression. Books can feed the mind, nourish soul, and promote positive change in individuals and society. Living in a world without books is like living in a world without air, we definitely cannot survive without books. The act of banning books is like banning air – senseless. Not to mention, dangerous! Yet, between 1971 and 2009, the Malaysian government has banned more than 1,500 books. So, join us to stop this bibliocide and celebrate our “Right To Read”!

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Oct, 10.30am to 6pm
Presented by Sisters In Islam and Centre For Independent Journalism
Admission Free

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

FROM COVER TO UNCOVER
Sat 10, 1pm to 6pm
Sun 11, 11am to 6pm
A visual spectacle of our right to the written word and what they represent: independent thought, creative ideas and vital knowledge.

And also all-day Reading Corner, DIY Shirt Workshop and Bookstalls.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

SAT 10 OCT

10.30am – FREE2READ
It’s never to early to start cultivating a love for reading. This bookcover art workshop takes young readers between ages 9 and 12 into the wonderful vista of books. For details and registration, please call Nazreen at 03-7785 6121.

11am – PAGE@STAGE
Rumah Anak Teater shares the art of making books come alive through drama. This two-day theatre workshop is open to performance students and youth theatre practitioners. For details and registration, please call Syue at 03-7785 6121.

2pm – RIGHT TO READ FESTIVAL LAUNCH
Catch the Wayang Buku performance by local actor director Fahmi Fadzil and singer songwriter Azmyl Yunor. Show up to see who our surprise Guests Of Honour will be!

4pm – BOOKWORMS ANONYMOUS
Some books may be banned but it sure hasn’t stopped people from reading behind closed doors. Celebrity book lovers share their guilty pleasures.

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SUN 11 OCT

10.30am – REEL-ITY BITES
What do books and films have in common? Well, in many countries, both are filtered before they are released for public consumption. Film screening and talk on freedom of expression. Speakers: Sharaad Kuttan and Honey Tan.

3pm – WORD PLAY
Freedom of the arts is an extension of the freedom of thought and expression. The Page@Stage participants with “mentor” Rumah Anak Teater pop-up in a workshop performance.