The second edition of Namibia's National Literary Festival aims to celebrate local literature and foster a culture of reading.

The festival will be held from the 3rd to the 4th of October at the National Library of Namibia.

The two-day event, organised by the National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN), will be filled with Namibian literature, panel discussions, workshops, book exhibitions, and signings with local and international authors, as well as storytelling, spoken word, and children's theatre. 

"That the festival is really about celebrating the richness of Namibian stories and ensuring that literature remains alive and accessible to everyone. It's a space where people can learn, connect and be inspired. Everyone is welcome to attend. The festival is open to the general public, including students, teachers, writers, parents, and literature enthusiasts; it is a friendly event with something for every age group to enjoy," said Gretta Gaspar, the administrator at NACN.

Held under the theme "Open a Book," the festival invites the public to gather around Namibian stories, ideas, and imaginations. 

"The main objective of the festival is to inspire love for reading, especially among the youth, while also giving local writers and creators a stage to showcase their work. This year's theme is "Open a Book". We chose this theme because it speaks directly to the heart of what literature can do. Opening doors to knowledge, imagination, culture, and pride. It's a simple but powerful reminder that when we open a book, we also open our minds, and that is the first step to building a strong reading culture in Namibia."