KirjaKallio
KirjaKallio – Young People Bring Literature to the Fair
KirjaKallio is a course run by the Expressive Arts programme at Kallio High School in Helsinki, which brings young people directly to the Kallio Stage at the Helsinki Book Fair. Students on the course plan the programme and its communications, interview authors, and organise panel discussions on current topics. The aim is to offer programming by young people, for young people, and to increase young people’s interest in literature.
“The Book Fair is the highlight of the year for many students. KirjaKallio is driven by young people’s passion for reading, literature, and sharing it with others.”
Marjuli Heliö, KirjaKallio project producer
Young People at the Centre
KirjaKallio’s fair programme highlights the year’s most interesting works for young people and young adults. Students interview authors, organise panel discussions and create programming that speaks directly to their peers.
The involvement of young people offers a vantage point into literature and gives participants the chance to experience how the world of books is built and comes to life.
Suunnista kirjaan (Navigate to the Book) – For children and students
Every year, the Helsinki Book Fair also hosts the Suunnista kirjaan event, which brings around 8,000 young students and upper secondary/vocational students to the fair.
The event aims to inspire young people’s interest in literature and reading, while teaching information-seeking skills and the various stages of making a book. Participants receive question sheets tailored to their year group.
Suunnista kirjaan is organised by the Finnish Non-Fiction Writers’ Association (Suomen tietokirjailijat ry) and the Finnish Association of Teachers of Mother Tongue (Äidinkielen opettajain liitto), with tickets provided by the Finnish Non-Fiction Literature Promotion Centre (Tietokirjallisuuden edistämiskeskus).
