Russia's Reading as a Family contest opens for video entries nationwide

An All-Russian online contest called Reading as a Family has opened for entries. Organised by the Znaniye Society, the competition invites residents of Sverdlovsk Oblast to take part. Participants can submit video entries highlighting how reading brings families together. The contest runs in three stages. The first phase began on March 26 and ends on May 31, followed by June 1 to July 31, and the final round from August 1 to September 30. Each stage will select 100 finalists and 10 winners.

To enter, participants must upload their videos to VKontakte with the hashtag #ZnaniyeReadingAsAFamily. The initiative has gained high-level support, including backing from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The competition is a joint effort by the Znaniye Society, the Russian State Children's Library, and the Movement of the Firsts. A closing ceremony and awards presentation will take place at the National Russia Center in late 2024, coinciding with the School Librarians' Forum.

The final submission deadline is September 30. Winners will be announced at the awards event later this year. The contest aims to promote family reading across the region.