A three-day-long event is under way at Museum Africa in Newtown, Johannesburg, to mark National Book Week.

"We have had about 1000 children walk into our venue," says Elitha van der Zandt, chief executive of the South African Book Development Council.

The event, hosted by the South African Book Development Council in association with the Department of Arts and Culture, is to observe National Book Week that runs from September 5 to 10. With the theme 'The book that changed my life', the event looks to encourage more South Africans to read.

The National Book Week has an exciting line up that caters to everyone.

Children will be treated to the Magic Tent, where there will be live performances, storytelling and puppet shows. Children will also be encouraged to enjoy silent reading in the tent.

The event has received support from celebrities. Metro FM DJ Azania Ndoro and singer Simphiwe Dana are just some of the celebrities that have backed the event as ambassadors.

Jozi band member Ishmael and Generations actor Jafta Mamabolo are among the celebrities that will be giving motivational talks to children at the event.

For young, aspirational rappers there will also be a hip-hop creative writing workshop that will be hosted by rapper and Skwatta Camp member Slikour.

For adults, Ndoro and Channel O presenter Dineo Moeketsi will host a book reading tomorrow morning.

The event also offers training and workshops for writers and people wishing to enter the publishing industry with workshops such as creative writing workshop, career in publishing and an introduction to editing workshops.

"Seeing that books are moving into the digital arena, we have an E-read demonstration where people can try out Kindles and other E-nook readers," Van der Zandt says.