Baden-Baden honors the book bus anniversary with Polonaise and nearly 4,000 lilac-hued treeskirted.
In the bustling spa town of Baden-Baden on Saturday, a plethora of activities took place. Alongside the lively presentation of clubs and institutions lining the Street of Honour, numerous children could be spotted roaming the town.
One of the attractions for the younger crowd was the Baden-Baden book bus, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Following a captivating storytelling hour, children, along with adults of all ages, visited the iconic mobile library to offer gifts in celebration of its milestone.
Tanja Eger, from the bookstore Eulennest, and Petra Grobecker, a literature educator from the city library, selected the story "The Tale of Mr. Moose and His Book Bus" for a special action. The story revolves around a family bear that runs out of story ideas one day, only to be introduced to the joy of reading by Mrs. Goose from the library. This carried a resonating message for the children in Baden-Baden as their own book bus, a cherished community asset, marks its six decades of service.
During their journey, the young enthusiasts received book gifts from various sponsors, including the fire brigade, the "Leselust in Baden" club, and the Rotary Club. They were warmly welcomed by Mayor Roland Kaiser, along with Michaela Fund-Besserer and Ilka Hamer from the city library. Though Kaiser thanked all sponsors for their generous donation of 100 new books, it was the 77 new editions collected throughout May by the Baden-Baden women's network "Ladies' Circle" that truly moved the celebration.
In a nod to the book bus's significance, Kaiser emphasized its importance in fostering reading competency, especially in an increasingly digital age, and its role as a cornerstone educational institution. With the Rastatt district stepping out of its funding role, discussions about the book bus's future are underway with various communities.
Meanwhile, the Citizen's Foundation organized a somersault challenge to draw attention to the voluntary work in local gymnastics clubs. Residents of all ages enthusiastically joined, surpassing 500 somersaults within half an hour. Children particularly enjoyed the challenge, with Katja, a nine-year-old, making a remarkable 362 somersaults. The funds raised will support the growth of children's participation in gymnastics, noting the numerous students waiting for guidance and a short list of available helpers.
Other participants at the event included home-and-garden groups and education-and-self-development organizations, showcasing a variety of lifestyles and promoting continuous learning. In the bustling town square, adult visitors were also encouraged to engage in educational activities, one such being a workshop led by the home-and-garden community, demonstrating the wisdom of upcycling vintage books into charming garden decorations.
