Saint-Jean-du-Sud, in Haiti's South department, inaugurated its first municipal library during a reading festival held under the theme “mete liv nan de men m” (put books in my hands), Rezo Nòdwès reported on October 25.

The event was organized by Plongaye, a local organization in Marseille, the commune's second communal section, as part of the national AYITI AP LI movement. That project, led by the Observatoire Patrimoine (OBPA) and the Salon du Livre et des Arts du Grand Nord, aims to promote reading and to open a library in every Haitian commune.

The program included book signings and giveaways, talks, readings, music, dance, a talent showcase and guided visits. More than 30 children from Plongaye took part in a creative writing workshop, and organizers plan to publish their texts in a collective book.

Writers, slam poets and representatives of groups including Mouvement Haïti Aux Haïtiens and Alternative Culturelle Nationale attended, along with former senator Hervé Foucan. The festival closed on a hopeful slogan: put books in my hands so that my tomorrow can be brighter.