From fiction to non-fiction and children’s to adult, the Mediterranean Conference Centre is buried under books and it’s wonderful! Jo Caruana checks out the National Book Fair, which closes today.
We all know the joy of being immersed in a really good book – one that practically turns the pages for us and captures every inch of our imagination. And this weekend, with that in mind, we’re taking the very valuable opportunity to delve into a whole new array of titles – as well as old favourites – at the Malta Book Fair at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.
Books and reading permeate people’s lives in so many wonderful ways and it’s so important to retain that, even in today’s highly-technological times
Joyce Grech, executive director of the National Book Council, says bookworms should definitely grab this last opportunity to find some of the best classic and new titles under one roof.
“Visitors should definitely expect to find myriad genres at the fair,” says Grech. “But there’s also plenty of other aspects and activities to keep people entertained. The fair has become a very well-rounded event, with all sorts of entities working together to create a platform for books and reading.”
Grech steadfastly believes that Malta needs a specific time, every year, when the focus is all on books – and the National Book Fair has become that. “It’s now been an annual event for so long that book lovers have started earmarking this week so as to explore the new publications out there. After all, the selection is so vast that there is something for everyone. I also believe there is a healthy competition between exhibitors for most engaging books at favourable prices.”
Now in its 28th year, the fair has become one of the highlights of the cultural calendar. From its humble beginnings, it has grown and developed over the years and is now organised by the National Book Council and Malta Libraries. “In truth, the basic concept has always been the same: to bring more and more books into the homes of the general public. But the event itself just got bigger and bigger over time and this helped develop and seal its identity,” Grech says.
And aside from swimming through the sea of books on offer, visiting families have also been encouraged to get involved in creative writing sessions, poetry and drawing workshops, storytelling and meet-and-greets with authors.
Adults reacted very favourably to the organised talks, including one by Edward Said, the author of Subterranean Valletta, a forum about Agius de Soldanis organised by the National Library and book launches on Dom Mintoff and Manwel Dimech by SKS Publishers.
The National Book Council and the Malta Film Commission held a discussion and the screening of Tell England, a 1931 film partially shot in Malta.
“The whole point of the fair is to show how far-reaching the world of books and reading actually is – it permeates people’s lives in so many wonderful ways and it’s so important to retain that, even in today’s highly-technological times.
“After all, numerous studies have shown how significant reading is, especially during childhood. I believe that parents should encourage their children by setting aside some of the household budget for book-buying, as well as by organising trips to their regional or central library,” she believes.
“Making time to read with children helps them to do so more effectively and increases their speed. Parents should put effort into storytelling and encouraging them to choose books they like,” Grech maintains.
The fair is open today from 10am to 8pm.
Getting into the groove
In this tech-heavy era, it’s sometimes hard to find time for reading. Joyce Grech shares her tips on how you can turn back into a bookworm.
• Carry a light book that slots easily into your handbag or briefcase – or keep one in the car. If a book is at hand, you’ll find plenty of moments to read a page or two – such as while queuing for something or waiting for someone to turn up.
• If you know you have a busy schedule, try choosing a book that is made of short stories or chapters. It can be annoying to have to stop reading in the middle of a central scene.
• Make sure that the environment you relax in contains books. It is very important for books to be visible and associated with relaxation time.
• If you are a parent, remember to set an example. If, in a family, the parent does not read, then it is very difficult for the child to read. Similarly, in a couple, if your partner enjoys reading, make sure to allow them the space to enjoy their hobby.
• If your eyesight is not as good as it once was and small fonts are stressful to deal with, treat yourself to an e-reader – it will enable you to increase the font and make life much easier.