Reading and Writing Week 2026

Reading and Writing Week has begun! Through September 15, it’s once again National Reading and Writing Week. Here in Kerkrade, too, we’re teaming up with Mijn Streek Bibliotheek, Impuls, and various schools to draw extra attention to the importance of basic skills such as reading, writing, math, and digital literacy. This year, the campaign centers on one key message: Reading and writing begin with talking. 

A Language-Rich Start for Every Child

During Reading and Writing Week, the theme “Taalrijke Start” takes center stage throughout South Limburg. Municipalities, libraries, and professionals who work with young children are joining forces to highlight the importance of language development in the early years of life.

Because language development begins long before a child says their first words or starts school. By talking to children from birth, looking at books together, and reading aloud to them, parents and caregivers lay the foundation for strong language development. Those early years are crucial for a child’s development and for their opportunities later in life.

As part of the regional initiative, on September 9, libraries throughout South Limburg will host readings from the local *Schatten van...* books. A special reading event will also be held in Kerkrade. Through this initiative, municipalities and libraries are working together to highlight how important it is to introduce children to language and stories from an early age.

Reading Aloud Marathon

On Wednesday, Kerkrade will be all about reading aloud. During the Reading Aloud Marathon, stories will be read to children and young people at various locations throughout the city. A large number of elementary schools are participating in this joint reading activity. Students from FLOW and VMBO Holz are also taking part. The storytime sessions are led by city employees and volunteer readers from Mijn Streek Library. Through the Reading Aloud Marathon, the participants aim to show how fun and important reading and reading aloud are.

Exhibition “F*ck Low Literacy”

The traveling photo exhibition “F*ck Low Literacy” will be on display at the Flexiforum through September 14. The Flexiforum will be closed on September 10, so it will not be possible to view the exhibition on that day. In this exhibition, second-year students in the Photography program at VISTA College show what low literacy means in everyday life.

The students have explored the experiences of people who have difficulty reading and writing. Through their photographs, they highlight the challenges these people may face—for example, at work, when taking care of personal matters, or when interacting with others.

The exhibition draws attention to a topic that is often still shrouded in shame. At the same time, it highlights how important it is for everyone to be able to participate in society. The photographs invite visitors to reflect on this in an accessible way.

Admission to the exhibition is free during Flexiforum's opening hours.