For three years there was a compulsory break for one of the most important book fairs in Germany due to Corona. Now the Leipzig Book Fair is opening its doors again – with many new events.
The book industry’s spring show from April 27th to 30th is to be enriched with new hands-on formats, announced Book Fair Director Oliver Zille. “We want to prove that the Leipzig Book Fair model for success will continue to work.” However, a trade fair that has not been able to take place for three years needs a certain amount of time before it has reached its full operating temperature again.
The trade fair boss expects 130,000 visitors to the exhibition center this year. In 2019 it was 215,000. “If we reach 60 percent of the pre-crisis level this year, that would be a success,” said Zille.
This year all the major publishers will be there
Last year, the withdrawal of large publishing groups led to the cancellation of the book fair. This was justified with corona risks, but it triggered a general debate about the future of the book fair. According to Zille, all major publishers will be there this year. The total number of exhibitors this year is currently around 75 percent of the level of 2019. Many decisions are now being made at short notice, said Zille.
The reading festival “Leipzig Reads” will be a little smaller than before the Corona pandemic. Around 2,000 events are currently being planned at the exhibition center and in the city. Around 200 reading locations are planned. In 2019 there were still 360.
According to the book fair director, this April there will be a whole range of new formats that have a hands-on character. This includes a book bar, where there will be moderated discussions with authors and the public. In March, the Book Fair will also tour twelve bookstores in Germany. (dpa)