Huge turnout at Imphal Book Fair
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18 2020:
This year, Imphal Book Fairs witnessed high turn out as compared to past years' edition, which denotes a shift in the reading culture and interest in literature.
The ongoing 28th Imphal Book Fair organised by State Central Library, Dept of Art and Culture, GoM in collaboration with Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata, was kicked off on January 10 at Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) ground in Kwakeithel.
The fair will end tomorrow.
Although, the State Central Library had set up around 120 book stalls for the fair, 19 stalls are from outside the State while 47 are opened by local book firms.
Last year, around 56 book firms from outside Manipur had come to participate in the fair and even though the number of outside book firms decreased this year, The Sangai Express witnessed a great increase in the number of visitors at the fair.
On seeing many people crowding the stalls, TSE asked some book firms how the sale has been this year.
But, the firms were reluctant to respond to this particular query.
State Central Library, Dept of Art & Culture, Librarian Laimayum Momota told TSE that the State Govt set aside Rs 22.50 lakh for the fair but due to the financial condition of the State, the fund has not been released till date although it has been approved by the Finance Department.
She continued that owners/book firms are charged Rs 4,000 fee per stall while the books are available at 15 percent off.
The fair opens at 10 in the morning with many events like quiz, painting competitions and wraps up around 7 in the evening, she said.