Sofia International Book Fair Started

Sofia Echo, Dec 05, 2007

Over the 25 years that the annual Christmastime book fair has been held, it has drawn publishing houses from Bulgaria and abroad. This year, its 26th, is seeing some changes, most notably in the name: it is now called the Sofia International Book Fair.

There are two reasons for this. It is hoped that the fair, which is being held from December 5 to 9 in NDK in Sofia, will be added to the list of European book fairs, and to the list of European fairs at large. Also, as was said at the news conference held the morning of December 3 at Matti’D, the other well-known book fairs are always known for the city in which they are held, for instance the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Organised by the Association Bulgarska Kniga (Bulgarian Book, ABK), together with the National Palace of Culture and Sofia municipality, its 141 exhibitors will be spread out over 1000 sq. m. on three floors of NDK. Jonas Modig, president of the Federation of European Publishers, will attend the opening ceremony, to be held on December 5, along with numerous Bulgarian politicians and an expected appearance by the prime minister.

Book publishing houses will come from countries including Austria, China, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey, along with Bulgarian publishers in every sphere and covering every interest for any age. Over the course of the book fair, there will be premieres of books, art exhibitions, music and more.

Sofia International Book Fair is open from December 5 to 9 from 11am to 7pm.