In Oppland we have a book bus strictly devoted to children, which spreads joy and the love of reading throughout the county. In October, our little library on wheels will embark on a long journey – far beyond the borders of Oppland – to the world's largest book fair in Frankfurt.
In Oppland we have a book bus strictly devoted to children, which spreads joy and the love of reading throughout the county. Every academic year it travels across 11 municipalities, visiting over 30 primary schools. Hence, the book bus is uniquely placed to bring literature and culture to the children – and the borrowing figures are high.
In October, our little library on wheels will embark on a long journey – far beyond the borders of Oppland. As part of Oppland County Council’s participation at the world's largest book fair in Frankfurt, the bus will come along to showcase this wonderful concept to a vast, international audience.
Along the way, the bus will visit Oslo, Hamburg, and Hameln. The end stop for this mini-tour will be the large central square, Agora, inside the book fair. On our outward journey, we are lucky enough to have on board author and illustrator, Bjørn Ousland, and our literary guide, Trygve Ramnefjell, who together will create literary experiences en route.
When visiting the book bus, you will also meet Jens Erik Kjelstad. As the regular driver, Jens Erik keeps everything in order and lends a helping hand to anyone looking for books. Jens Erik is also in charge of sound and equipment when Trygve puts on theatre performances, holds quizzes for the children, or arranges other fun activities. Trygve is a literary guide, musician, and actor. He arranges writing classes, puts on performances, and holds quizzes. Together they inspire a love of reading and an interest in books among children in our vast county. On this trip, they aim to create awareness of Norwegian literature in Germany.
At the book fair, people will be invited to visit the bus and experience some of the magic the children in Oppland feel every time the bus arrives. Focus will be on fairytales – a tradition with strong roots in both Germany and Norway. There will be several opportunities to hear Trygve Ramnefjell read Norwegian folk tales in German and play Norwegian folk tunes on flute. Visitors will also be invited to send a literary greeting to the children in Oppland, with whom the bus will meet up after the Frankfurt adventure.
The book bus collaborates with the National Library of Norway, and its participation at the book fair forms part of Oppland County Library’s initiatives for the Year of the Book 2019. In addition to encouraging a love of reading and literature, the bus will seek to highlight the importance of libraries in literature.
Events on the book bus:
- Trygve Ramnefjell reads Norwegian folk tales in German
- Activities and photography with Polaroid camera. Memories from the tour and book fair will be on display in the bus, and will be brought back to Oppland for the children to enjoy.
- The library bus receives a visit from author and illustrator Lisa Aisato, who engages in a book talk with author Linn T. Sunne.