Over 600 exhibitors from 26 countries at Minsk Book Fair

More than 600 exhibitors from 26 countries will participate in the twenty-first edition of the Minsk International Book Fair due in Minsk on 5-9 February, First Deputy Information Minister of Belarus Lilia Ananich told media, BelTA has learnt.

According to Lilia Ananich, this year there will be no guest of honor. The organizers decided that Belarus should showcase its achievements in the book industry as broadly as possible and give each country the same opportunity.

“We would like to see every country be the guest of honor. Each country has great programs and deserves to be the guest of honor. Therefore the slogan and motto of the exhibition are “We welcome all the books and all the countries," said Lilia Ananich.

This time the Minsk book fair will showcase a great number of different publishing projects. Among them is “Minsk and Ice Hockey. The Book and Sport” which will include the presentation of the encyclopedia of the Belarusian ice hockey. Another significant project will be the thematic exposition of books, photo albums, commemorative publications dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders. Hospitality that is the theme of the year 2014 in Belarus will also be in the center of attention. The book fair will feature the presentation of the guide "Welcome to Belarus” and a new series “Cities and Historical Places of Belarus”.

The Day of Library will be held on 6 February. It will feature presentations of books, meetings with authors, and autograph sessions. 8 February is the Children's Book Day. A roundtable with participation of Belarusian and foreign writers will discuss the theme "World of childhood: a look into the future". In addition, visitors on this day will have an opportunity to see a number of promotions and meet with children's writers.

The event is organized by the Information Ministry, OAO Belkniga and the Makbel company.