Celebrating World Book Day with a book launch!

On 23 April 2019 the Department of Library Services and the Department of Information Science (Publishing Studies) celebrated World Book Day with the launch of My France: A South African’s guide written by University of Pretoria student Olivia Loots. This travel guide was commissioned by the Embassy of France, and Samantha Miller and Jana Klingenberg, lecturers of the Publishing Studies department, managed the production of the publication in 2018.

Olivia shared her thoughts on her travels, the writing process and the publication process. While taking a gap year after high school, Olivia travelled through France for eight months. This beautifully illustrated guide records her experiences and provides travel tips. It will entice any travel enthusiast! Olivia’s deep love for France – its people, language and culture – was clear when she sadly reminisced about her time spent at the Notre Dame in 2013. After the talk, guests enjoyed snacks, while the author chatted to them and signed their books. It was a great way to celebrate International World Book Day.

These departments will be collaborating on book-related events in future, and are looking forward to collaborating with other disciplines at UP as well.

“There are pieces of my heart in your church towers with their lively bells, in your boats making their way to our islands, in your boutiques and boulangeries, in your sea and the streets of your cities. My love and gratitude are spread over the kilometres of your land” (Loots, 2018: 135-136)

View the book launch photographs here