As a woman who has been in love with books, reading, and writing for as long as I can remember, book fairs have always held a special place in my heart. What candy shops were to most kids my age, book fairs were to me—a space to let loose all semblance of control and indulge all my bookish fantasies. 

My love affair with book fairs

My love affair with book fairs started out small. My school in Delhi, like many others at the time, had begun organising book fairs together with Scholastic publishers. The books were displayed in neat arrangements on tall wire stands and long tables. They were grouped according to classes, reading levels, genres, and types. And everyone was welcome to look, touch, hold, and browse for as long as we wanted. 

Of course, as kids, we didn’t have much purchasing power so we couldn’t buy everything that caught our fancy. Nonetheless, I credit those occasions for instilling in me a deep appreciation of book fairs which has only gotten stronger with age.

 

It’s a blessing that I live in Delhi, a city where two huge book fairs are an annual tradition: the National Book Trust’s New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation’s (ITPO) Delhi Book Fair. I make it a point to visit both, as far as possible, and carry back home bags full of books and bookish goodies—from expensive rare collectables to highly affordable trashy romances, from German pens to Japanese art journals, and more.

 

At the recently concluded NDWBF in March 2023, I ended up buying 22 books (a mix of fiction and non-fiction, brand-new and pre-loved titles)! I might have gone a little overboard, but hey, when it comes to books, can you really have too many?

Book fairs are more than just places to buy books

If you think the only reason people like me adore book fairs is the bookish deals we get, I invite you to think again. 

Book fairs have a long and fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages. They’re truly a melting pot of ideas, cultures, civilizations, voices, and stories. And there are a plethora of reasons why they are a book lover’s paradise. 

 

Firstly, you can naturally stock up on all the latest reads without burning a hole in your pocket. Publishers offer exclusive deals and discounts at book fairs, open up a large collection of pre-loved books, and let you get your hands on accessories such as bookmarks and stationery items, for a bargain. 

 

Secondly, they give bibliophiles a chance to interact with publishers, authors, and other book enthusiasts. For writers and authors, it’s also a great way to network and exchange ideas, and I always come away feeling inspired and motivated to write more. Where else will you find circle after literary circle from all parts of the country (and even abroad) huddled under one roof?

 

And, of course, let’s not forget about all the other cool stuff that book fairs offer. Thematic pavilions dedicated to specific genres or occasions, author meetups, creative and artsy corners, special exhibits, interactive panels and discussions, book launches…the list goes on! 

 

It’s not just a book fair; it’s a whole experience, brought to you for an unusually fair price. To set some context, the tickets to the 2023 edition of the NDWBF cost me just INR 20! Incredible, isn’t it? You get back so much more than you pay for. 

 

Finally, if you’re a family person, book fairs can provide you with a novel way to spend time with your family members. There are usually plenty of activities for kids, like storytelling sessions and interactive exhibits. And for adults, there are live performances, food and beverage kiosks, and plenty of other things to keep you entertained, just in case you get bored of browsing (but who does?!)

Book Fairs are a Must-Visit for All Book Lovers

In conclusion, if you love books as much as I do, then book fairs are an absolute must-visit. They’re a chance to immerse yourself in the world of books, meet other book lovers, and discover new authors and genres. And hey, if you end up buying 22 books as I did, then so be it. There really is a no better investment, right?

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Garima is a writer, content strategist, and marketer with a penchant for languages and traveling. She can speak (nearly) 5 languages and has travelled to over 50 cities. Her work experience ranges from diplomatic not-for-profit organizations to early-stage startups and more. She is a polymath who also hoards (and reads) books obsessively. You can read more from her on her LinkedIn and Instagram profiles.