site.btaSofia International Book Fair Starts at National Palace of Culture

Sofia International Book
Fair Starts at National
Palace of Culture


Sofia, December 9 (BTA) - The 42nd Sofia International Book Fair
started at the National Palace of Culture (NDK) on Tuesday. A
record high number of exhibitors are participating in this
year's edition of the event, which will be on until December 14.

Speaking at the opening of the fair, President Rosen Plevneliev
called for joint efforts in support of young people's interest
in reading.

This year the Sofia International Book Fair is focused on
Romania. Alexandru Oprean, State Secretary of Romania's Culture
Ministry, said at the opening that they are happy they are in
Bulgaria because they often do not see what is happening in a
neighbouring country. Thirteen Romanian authors will attend the
fair and acquaint Bulgarian readers with Romanian culture, he
noted.

The 2nd Sofia International Literary Festival is taking place
within the Book Fair and it is focused on Scandinavian
literature. At the opening, Finnish Ambassador to Bulgaria Harri
Salmi said that the Bulgarian audience will have the
opportunity to meet the most renowned authors from Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

The 42nd Sofia International Book Fair takes place on four
floors of NDK, presenting over 200 exhibitors at an area
exceeding 1,200 sq m. Taking part are seven international
participants: Romania, Hungary, Iran, Serbia, two Russian stalls
and Cervantes Institute. Traditionally, the fair offers
discounts on books of between 20 and 70 per cent. Visitors will
also have the opportunity to get autographs from writers and
poets at the stalls of the corresponding publishing houses.

NDK Director Miroslav Borshosh said at the opening that a
National Book Centre will be unveiled with the National Palace
of Culture by the end of 2014. The centre will provide space for
meetings between Bulgarian poets, writers, and playwrights, he
explained.

PK/DS



/СН/