How to spark curiosity for reading when bookshelves gather dust in summer

An exhibition at the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum in Lithuania, titled "The Book Dragon: A Fantastic Tale About the Beauty of Books," seeks to cultivate a meaningful connection with literature for visitors of all ages. Indrė Urbelytė, an art historian and curator of the exhibition, believes the display offers a space to revisit and reimagine the relationship people have with books.

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If we talk about children's relationship with books, it is important not only to tell stories but also to teach by example – a child will not pick up a book if they don't see people reading around them.

Urbelytė stresses the importance of leading by example, particularly for children. "A child will not pick up a book if they don't see people reading around them," she stated. The exhibition aims to foster dialogue between current and future readers, with a companion book of the same title designed to nurture a love for reading and book art. However, Urbelytė emphasizes that the book is merely a tool; the reader's personal relationship with themselves, their environment, and diverse narratives that develop empathy and self-reflection is paramount.

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The exhibition creates a space where we encourage dialogue between existing and future readers.

The exhibition features interactive stations where visitors can experiment with different fonts, design book margins, and even try reading in Braille. Illustrations by Aspazija Surgailienė have proven particularly popular, captivating visitors with their vibrancy. Many families leave with the illustrated booklet about Ugnius the Dragon and Jurga, continuing the museum's narrative at home.

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I believe that the most important thing is the reader's relationship with themselves, with their environment, with different narratives that develop empathy and self-reflection skills.

Urbelytė shared that the story of Ugnius the Dragon was written to extend the museum's narrative and create a book that readers would want to return to. She prioritized making the book not only interesting but also pleasant to hold. The design and illustration team, Justina Brukštutė-Šimkė and Reda Tomingas, successfully brought the fantastical elements, like dragons with hair, to life. The interactive nature of the exhibition, Urbelytė noted, consistently draws attention, with children often expressing a desire to meet the book's dragon in real life.

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I always find it important that a book is not only interesting but also pleasant to hold.