Lectura (District Council for the Promotion of Reading), responsible for setting reading and writing policies in the city, the improvement of education with the development of a modem public library system, the cooperation with a variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, and the launching of programmes to popularise literature, such as Libro al Viento ("Book in thé Wind"). Amsterdam 2008 Theme: Open Book, Open Mind The programme of Amsterdam World Book Capital, named ‘Open Book, Open Mind’, was centred around these three people: Spinoza, Anne Frank and Annie M.G. Schmidt. In addition to the central theme, the programme carried out events towards the Municipal Council’s three objectives: Children First We are all Amsterdam Top City The first Amsterdam “Book of the Night” was created on March 20. Libraries, bookshops, the weekly book fair and hotel/catering venues around the Spui were filled with literary performances. Multiple authors and poets recited parts of their work for the people in the public square. Many events were targeted to the younger population and especially to children. From October 2008 to April 2009, citizens were encouraged to engage their children in the Children’s Book Capital programme. Poetry also held a significant part in the programme. During the “Poetry in the Park” project, ten city districts hosted poetry activities open to all district residents. An interactive exposition of “poetry poles” was held in the Vondelpark. Also, the National Declamation Competition launched on National Poetry Day, the 29th of January, the final round of which was carried out as part of the AWBC closing week. A total number of 298 activities were realised during this period with the aid of public networks and other institutions with 490,000 people taking part. The budget was estimated to reach above €2.7 million with 60% from government organisations and 40% from funds, sponsors and admission revenues. Beirut 2009 Themes: “Books are our best friends. This year, Beirut is their capital.”, “Beirut reads. Beirut writes. Beirut publishes. The triple identity of Beirut.” The World Book Capital in 2009 was Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. A series of activities were planned, from literary cafés to specialised fairs, international symposiums and conferences, writing workshops to all kinds of forums with a focus on Lebanese writers. The activities revolved around four themes: "Books, vectors of culture", "Book trades", "Promotion of reading and writing", "Encourage youth to read”. Exhibitions honouring the great Lebanese