ahore International Book Fair is a much awaited annual feature of the city’s cultural and literary landscape that famously brings writers, publishers and the reading public together. The 37^th edition of the five-day festival, which concluded recently, saw book lovers show up at Expo Centre, in droves. The event hosted seasoned publishing houses as well as new people in the business whose stalls lured crowds of young and old alike.

Ticket-free entry made it a popular event. Eager visitors could be seen seeking discounts on their favourite titles. If the first couple of days saw a trickle of visitors, the long weekend made up for it as hundreds attended the fair, including families, young adults, children and older people.

Some of the most prominent stalls with maximum participation were set up by well-established publishers and booksellers. A discount offer at Readings, for instance, had people flocking to their stall.

Fiction seemed to attract readers the most, as they browsed through titles, hoping to settle for a few. Others were seen carrying bags filled with stacks secured from several stalls.

Bibliophiles in attendance were of the opinion that technology has made books more accessible, though many still prefer holding a book in their hands and then reading it.

“Books in physical form are still popular among the readers,” said Hadiya, a mother of two, “even though their e-versions are readily available. I have brought my children here to inculcate a love of books in them.”

Another popular stall at this year’s book fair was Siddiqui Vintage Books that offered rare and vintage volumes, including those from the collection of the Begum of Bhopal. As people stood reading around a table with heaps of books of all genres laid out on it, Siddiqui resembled an old/ second-hand bookshop with books lying haphazardly as people looked out for hidden gems.

Fiction seemed to attract readers the most, as they browsed through titles, hoping to settle for a few. Others were seen carrying bags filled with stacks secured from several stalls.

ther than book stalls, there were activities arranged for children. Storytelling sessions and games were organised to keep the younger visitors occupied and interested.

STEAM education promoters had their separate but very well organised setup, which had the parents taking a keen interest.

Further, Paramount publishers had an enormous collection of children’s books on display. From storybooks to educative materials, the stall garnered special attention from the children.

At the same time, stalls by publishers of religious reading materials had older participants flocking to them. “This is the second time I’ve come to this fair, and it’s been a very pleasant experience,” said Ashfaq, 70. “I have come with my son, who loves reading as much as I do. Age and weakened eyesight have made it difficult for me to read a lot, though.

“I’m glad to see young people in attendance,” he added. “It shows that reading is still a well loved activity.”

A group of friends aged 17-19 years told TNS that they had come to the fair in the hope of finding budget-friendly books. Books have become a highly expensive proposition, they said.

“Booksellers are offering discounts here, but if you visit their retail stores, buying a book is heavy on your pocket,” said one of the youngsters. Another added, “Pirated versions are available, but we want to support our publishers and authors. Inflation has reduced reading and book-buying to a luxury.”

The LIBF, just like the years before, brought much joy to the readers and booksellers. Established publishers had their supporters, but so did the new sellers. It was evident that the habit of reading has not diminished as much as some of us think it has. The rising prices may have diminished people’s purchasing power, but give them a discount or two, and they’ll prefer getting their hands on a physical copy of their favourite authors’ work.

The writer is a staff member