Rousing reception opens World Congress

The International Reading Association's 21st World Congress on Reading opened on August 7 with an evening reception at the National Szechenyi Library in Budapest, Hungary. Hungary has a rich literary history dating back centuries, and the National Szechenyi Library holds a comprehensive collection of more than 2 million books published in Hungary, published in the Hungarian language, involving Hungarian authors, and pertaining to Hungary. Its holdings include the first book printed in Hungary, the Chronica Hungarorum, which was published in 1473.

Nearly 600 attendees representing approximately 40 countries are attending the World Congress, and most were on hand on Monday for an evening of music, food, and fellowship. The library setting added an air of elegance to the event.