SHAH ALAM, April 21 - The Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) made history when it joined the 63rd Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy from April 13 to 15.
Kota Anggerik assemblyman Mohd Najwan Halimi said he led the PPAS delegation, which included Selangor Finance Officer Dato’ Haniff Zainal Abidin and PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad.
He said the prestigious book fair, which has been held for over 60 years, gathered hundreds of authors, illustrators, publishers and entrepreneurs in the children’s book industry from all over the world.
He said PPAS was recognised by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which organises the Hans Christian Andersen 2027 Award.
“This award has been the highest international recognition for children’s book authors and illustrators since 1956,” Najwan said in a post on X yesterday.
During the trip, the PPAS delegation met Bologna Children’s Book Fair director Elena Pasoli, who shared her experience developing a reading culture among children and youth.
The delegation also met with representatives from Turkiye to explore partnerships in the translation field.