Cultivating Community at the Malta Book Festival 2024

The Malta Book Festival returns to the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali, from 6-10 November 2024, marking its 45th year as Malta’s leading celebration of book culture. Organised by the National Book Council (NBC), this year’s edition renews the Festival’s commitment to community care, supported by key partners who champion inclusivity, charity, and compassion.

Under the banner of both its core theme of #bindingworlds — celebrating the book’s ability to unite readers of all walks of life — and ‘Tomorrow Starts with a Vision’ — which advocates for sustainable practices at the Festival and beyond through the collaboration of key partners and sponsors — the event will create an environment that is both welcoming and conscientiously driven. 

Find out more about the community-friendly initiatives at the Festival below.

Malta Community Chest Fund hosts on-site café

At the heart of the festival’s community spirit is the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCF), which will manage the on-site café. Every purchase made directly supports MCCF’s mission, providing critical assistance to the growing number of individuals and families in Malta who require help, particularly those facing serious health challenges. As medical costs continue to rise, the MCCF is seeing increased demand from patients with cancer and other critical conditions needing life-saving treatments. Beyond covering medical costs, the Foundation assists with travel and subsistence for patients needing care abroad and provides essential support such as wigs and specialised equipment. The café initiative offers festival-goers the opportunity to contribute to MCCF’s crucial work with every coffee or meal purchased, impacting the lives of individuals and families in need across the island.

‘Pay It Forward’ with Jacob’s Brew

A staple of Maltese community outreach, Jacob’s Brew will return with its pop-up coffee truck, serving coffee and hot drinks. The establishment, known for its ‘pay it forward’ philosophy, contributes a portion of its revenue to Survivors Malta, an NGO dedicated to supporting families facing trauma. Among their projects are Jacob’s Coffee Run, which delivers food and coffee to families in Intensive Care Unit (ITU) waiting areas, and the Reunited Pet Cabin, where pet therapy is made possible at Mater Dei Hospital. Additionally, initiatives like Craft & Coffee for Charity and the Tessie Montebello Book Club further embed Jacob’s Brew’s commitment to community support, inviting patrons to join their mission of kindness and support through simple acts. Apart from their philanthropic efforts, Jacob’s Brew will contribute to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the Festival, plying both visitors and exhibitors with coffee and other drinks, accompanied by a warm smile. 

Inclusive Experiences with the Sensory Room by Inspire Malta

The NBC is once again proud to make available Il-Kamra Sensorja (Sensory Friendly Room), specifically designed to cater for children on the autism spectrum. Thanks to this space, any parents having second thoughts about visiting the Festival due to its high attendance rate can rest assured that their child will find a safe haven, as this room comes complete with low-stimulation environments and autism-friendly resources, where children can enjoy storytelling and activities in comfort. Parents and educators are welcome to accompany the children, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable festival experience. The Room is managed by Inspire Malta and supported by APS Bank, with the latter sponsoring the purchase of toys for the space for the second year running, in accordance with their long-standing commitment to community engagement. 

The NBC invites the public to join this year’s Malta Book Festival, where community, compassion, and literature come together to inspire and uplift.

The Malta Book Festival will be taking place at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 November.

For the full programme, click here. For more information and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit ktieb.org.mt and the Malta Book Festival Facebook and Instagram page.