The Utilization of the Arts as a Method of Developing Love for Reading in a Library Environment

This paper examines the contribution of using the arts as an educational method to reading groups in a library setting. The aim of the paper is to highlight the extent and the ways in which the inter-artistic dialogue strengthens the reading interest of the minor or adult participants and cultivates their aesthetic education. More specifically, the work aims to highlight: a. which theoretical principles and educational methods effectively support the utilization of other art forms in the reading approach, b. what specific techniques are involved in the inclusion of inter-artistic comparison in the reading process, c. in which phases of the reading process they can be included with a greater impact on reading motivation and d. how artistic works are selected depending on the literary texts being interpreted, the characteristics of the members of the reading community and the library environment. In order to answer the research questions, the opinions of two groups of participants are used: a. 15 Library Science student participants from the “Literature” course (spring semester 2022) and 18 participants from the “Applications of Reading Literacy” course (winter 2023) who systematically participated in the weekly meetings. The participants, having familiarized themselves with a variety of techniques for approaching literature, answered which they consider most appropriate for each phase of reading (thus also for inter-artistic dialogue). Based on their responses, it appeared that the use of arts in library reading groups is the most appropriate method for enhancing reading interest in preparing the response and one of the most effective methods for further engaging in dialogue about the projects during reading procedure. Also, the use of inter-artistic dialogue is particularly important for the development of critical appreciation of cultural works, as a means of awakening creativity and developing the aesthetic education of readers of all ages.