Kitap Elshisi is a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting reading and literature in Kazakhstan, operating as part of the international "Book Ambassadors" movement. With the goal of creating a link between local readers and the global network of book lovers, this project has gathered more than one hundred volunteer ambassadors across the country to institutionalize national and world literature among youth and the general public.
The participants in this project encompass a wide range of cultural activists. These include professional teachers and librarians who share their specialized expertise, as well as students and enthusiastic readers who serve as reading ambassadors. By introducing top-tier works and providing reading recommendations, these individuals play a key role in familiarizing society with new publications and literary masterpieces.
The primary duties and activities of Kitap Elshisi are centered on organizing in-person events. These activities include forming book clubs, holding review and critique sessions, and hosting literary events in schools, universities, and libraries. Book ambassadors strive to facilitate access to books and dynamically promote a culture of reading through close cooperation between educational centers and publishing houses.
One of the major priorities of this project is to support contemporary Kazakhstani writers and introduce their works alongside classical literature. In this regard, Kitap Elshisi makes effective use of online platforms and social media to broadcast news of literary projects and introduce books to various layers of society, particularly the younger generation, which has a significant presence in the digital space.
Kitap Elshisi seeks exchange of experience and international cooperation in the field of literature, transcending its role as a domestic initiative. By joining the global network of Book Ambassadors, this project provides an opportunity for the cultural community in Kazakhstan to become acquainted with successful global models of reading promotion and to utilize "Book Diplomacy" to strengthen cultural ties.