On 25 November, the National Library of Armenia (NLA) became a hub for the European Authors Day project, initiated by the cooperation with the National Library of Poland (NLP). The National Library of Poland, together with the Universal Reading Foundation – Poland, EURead, Federation of European Publishers, Ciclic, Stiftung Lesen and Reading Foundation – Bulgaria, won the privilege to run in years 2025-2027 the European Authors Day. It was initiated in 2023 by the European Commission and Creative Europe. Held annually from 11 November to 12 December with the motto “Read for Real” the project brings together readers and cultural institutions across Europe.

Under the project, the National Library of Armenia hosted Portuguese writer Rosário Alçada Araújo for a professional visit focusing on children’s and young adult literature, translation and cultural exchange.

During the visit, the guests took a guided tour of the National Library of Armenia and the Museum of Printing. They were introduced to the Library’s historical collections, the main reading hall, and the Library’s History Exhibition Hall.

The official opening session was held in the Conference Hall, moderated by Arevik Ashkharoyan, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Anna Chulyan, Director of the NLA, and Ani Hovsepyan, head of the “Creative Europe” in Armenia, who also presented on the “Read for Real” project.

Rosário Alçada Araújo presented on “Writing for Children and Young Adults”, highlighting one of her most well-known works, “The Land of Oranges”. Together with Anna Marutyan, the book’s Armenian translator, she discussed the importance of children’s and young adult literature in the digital era, the nuances of the creative process, and the role of translation and cultural transmission. Excerpts from the book were presented in both the Portuguese and Armenian.

The event concluded with closing remarks, and a networking session, providing opportunities for informal discussion and media interaction. The audience­­­ included students, teachers, librarians, publishers, literary agents, and media representatives, with high school students being particularly active, raising literary, historical, and psychological questions. The author responded warmly, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.