The five-day largely attended book fair held under Lahore International Book Fair (LIBF) Trust ended in the metropolis at Expo Centre on Monday.
A number of leading publishers and books importers having retail outlets all over the country, along with non-government organisations engaged in publishing academic material had set up stalls that drew people of all ages. Book lovers and reading enthusiasts thronged this much-awaited 29th fair which was held from Feb 5 to 9.
Mohammad Zahid, speaking for Turkish publication house in Pakistan ‘Harmony’, said they were very happy to see the response from public, especially youth who turned up in large numbers and showed interest in books on display. This publication group is also linked to Pak-Turk schools in the city, he added.
However, to a query, he said that the fair organisers could have extended better logistic support and facilities, adding that a book fair held in Karachi recently was a better managed affair.
One of the fair organisers from LIBF, to a query, said that during the five days they did not receive such complaints and they were very pleased with the public response.
“A number of officials from educations departments of various districts of Punjab and private sector visited the fair as they wanted books for the libraries for public/private schools, colleges and universities,” said a beaming Ali Zaidi representing the Pak Book Corporation.
“We also import books from UK, USA, India and other countries,” he added while pointing to a stall displaying an attractive range of subjects and matter. An Indian publisher standing alongside also expressed his happiness over the public response.
“I’ve eagerly waited for this event and I am visiting it along with my friends. But I want to suggest that instead of restricting this fair to just one hall it should be allotted more space so that one could inspect books in a less noisy environment,” retorted Momena, a student from a well-reputed school.
Loudly played jingles from the audio-visual material by various publishers along with the cacophony of voices of general public made it difficult to concentrate on the printed matter while selecting a book, complained another student who also suggested more widely spaced stalls.
The event was complemented with an educational fair held by a number of reputed educational institutions.
