A book should be transformed into a multimedia experience

According to Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), Hossein Dehlavi, winner of the 18th Fajr International Poetry Festival for his ghazal collection “Del Bastagi”, said in an interview with the news headquarters of the 33rd Iran Book Week: “Participatory and interactive programs have had the most impact in attracting audiences, especially book reading competitions centered around a specific book. Examples such as the ‘Midnight Dream’ book competition or the ‘Khandevaneh’ competition on Taqcheh show that when the audience feels part of an exciting and competitive movement, they become much more actively involved.”

Dehlavi added: “Several features make these types of programs more effective: having clear goals and short-term scheduling, which makes it easier for people to participate; tangible gifts and incentives that boost motivation. Creating a sense of community and seeing many people read a book simultaneously makes the experience more engaging; a gamified environment transforms reading from a serious and difficult task into an attractive entertainment, and experience shows that any program involving competition, games, participation, and excitement creates the most appeal. Furthermore, if subsidized support, purchase facilities, or even affordable subscription plans increase, books will become more accessible.”

To make Book Week more appealing, Dehlavi offered several suggestions: “For the younger generation, a book should transform from merely a paper object into a multimedia and multi-layered experience. ‘Building cultural links between books and the popular media of today’s generation,’ ‘converting books into podcasts and creating engaging discussions about them,’ ‘offering audiobook versions performed by popular artists,’ ‘play readings and short performances from books in public or online spaces,’ and ‘producing short videos of captivating parts of books’ can be effective in increasing appeal.”

The poet further added: “‘Launching social media challenges related to a specific book or genre,’ ‘combining books with games, design, music, humor, and digital media,’ ‘holding lifestyle-oriented in-person events, such as book reading gatherings with soft music,’ ‘temporary book cafes,’ or creative spaces for photos and content are strategies that can be relied upon to move books out of their rigid traditional format and make them attractive, tangible, and participatory for young people alongside other forms of entertainment.”