Logo Goethe-Institut

Max Mueller Bhavan | India New Delhi

Library Reopening Fest

Literature and Performance|Grand Reopening of the Library, Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi

  • Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi, New Delhi

  • Price Entry free. Registration is mandatory.

Library Reopening Fest © Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi

Welcome to the Library Reopening Fest — a day-long celebration marking the opening of the newly redesigned library space. Bringing together readers, literary enthusiasts, performers, authors, artists, gamers, and curious visitors of all ages, the festival invites audiences to rediscover the library as a space for exchange, creativity, conversation, and community.

Through workshops, performances, reading sessions, games, interactive experiences, and informal encounters, the reopening festival transforms the library into a vibrant cultural meeting point where stories, ideas, music, language, and participation come together throughout the day.

From silent reading corners and spoken word performances to VR experiences, book exchanges, and family activities, the festival celebrates the many ways in which libraries can become shared spaces for imagination, dialogue, and collective discovery.

Silent Book Club
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Location: Library


In collaboration with Silent Book Club Delhi & Gurgaon, this session invites readers to bring their current read, discover a new corner of the library, and enjoy the quiet joy of reading together. Part of the global Silent Book Club community, the session creates a relaxed, pressure-free space where books, coffee, and community take centre stage. No assigned reading, no discussions, and no homework— just uninterrupted reading time in the company of fellow booklovers.

Book Retell-a-Thon
Time: 13:30 – 14:30
Location: Library


Step into the spotlight and bring your favourite book to life! In this participatory session, readers transform into performers by retelling beloved books in their own unique style — dramatic, humorous, emotional, satirical, or completely unexpected. Each participant has five minutes to convince the audience through creativity, storytelling, and stage presence.

Spoken Word Workshop – Finding Your Voice
Time: 14:30 – 16:45
Location: Hal
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Led by German-Belgian spoken word artist Jessy James LaFleur, this interactive workshop in English language explores spoken word as a tool for expression, connection, and creative confidence. Through writing prompts, collaborative exercises, and performance-based methods, participants are invited to experiment with language, discover their voice, and transform words into performance.

Spielzeit: Games, Quizzes & VR Experiences
Time: 14:30 – 15:15 & 17:00 – 17:45
Location: Library


Explore German board games, interactive quizzes, multiplayer gaming experiences, and immersive VR worlds throughout the day. Whether you are curious about gaming culture, looking for playful competition, or simply wanting to try something new, Spielzeit invites visitors of all ages to play, experiment, and discover.

Family Hour
Time: 15:30 – 16:45
Location: Library


A playful and interactive hour for children, families, and curious explorers of all ages. Discover the library through collaborative activities, creative storytelling, playful reading experiences, and hands-on encounters that invite families to read, explore, and create together.

Showcase Performance: Spoken Word & Music
Time: 18:30 – 20:00
Location: Library


Closing the evening, participants from the spoken word workshop step onto the stage for a showcase performance alongside German-Belgian spoken word artist Jessy James LaFleur and Delhi-based double bass player Akshay Dwivedi.

Brought together in collaboration with Honar Productions, the evening blends poetry, rhythm, music, and live performance to celebrate creative exchange, collaboration, and the voices discovered throughout the day.

Fest Highlights

Secret Book Exchange
Location: Library


Bring along a wrapped book you love and exchange it for an unknown literary surprise. The Secret Book Exchange invites visitors to discover unexpected stories, share recommendations anonymously, and celebrate the joy ofreading through surprise encounters.

Photo Booth
Location: Library


Capture your favourite fest moments at the themed photo booth and create your own memories from the reopening celebrations.

Food Stalls & Refreshments
Location: Outdoor / Café Area


Take a break between programmes and explore a selection of cakes, snacks, and refreshments.

Ongoing Fest Spaces
Location: Across the Library Spaces


Throughout the day, discover informal gathering spaces, interactive corners, reading spots, and opportunities to meet fellow readers, creators, performers, and fest visitors.

PARTNERS

Spoken Word Academy, Honar and Silent Book Club Delhi and Gurgaon © Spoken Word Academy, Honar and Silent Book Club Delhi and Gurgaon