The 19th edition of the Alexandria International Book Fair is being held at the modern library in the Egyptian city, an elaborate architectural work that opened its doors in 2002.

The two-week exhibition includes 160 cultural events with the participation of approximately 600 artists and intellectuals. Available until July 28, the fair records an annual increase in cultural events and publishing houses present.

Ahmed Diouf, director of the Koutoubia publishing house, stated that the number of events organized within the framework of the book fair increases every year.

"The exhibition is evolving. We see new events every year, as well as new publishing houses," he added.

This year, there are 77 publications at the fair and an entire section dedicated to children's literature. Frequented by both the younger generation and adults, this corner offers the public rare and hard-to-find books.

Since Alexandria is a summer destination for many travelers, the timing of the book fair allows visitors coming to the city to enjoy this cultural event.

"I think the timing of the fair is particularly interesting for summer visitors traveling to Alexandria, as they can take advantage of their stay to attend the fair. In my opinion, the prices are neither high nor low, given that prices have generally increased," said visitor Yousef Shammah.

This edition inaugurates several cultural projects, such as the launch of the "Alexandria Library Reading Prize" and the "Alexandria Library Forum for Arabic Poetry."

Article source: africanews