Text and photos: Diana Koval

An annual cultural refreshment weekend for all those who cannot imagine their life without books finally happened and as always it was fabulous. Vilnius International Book Fair for the 13th time opened its doors to the numerous visitors from all over the country. Last year there were about 60 thousands of them, and about the same amount of guests are expected to visit Litexpo exhibition center during this last weekend of February.

What may one find here? There are 5 exhibition halls, creative studios, workshops and discussion clubs. Also, an enormous variety of books and magazines on different subjects from science and technology to art albums and children literature for a reasonable price. Every year thousands of guests are coming here looking for favorite novels, dictionaries, textbooks or any other books, which are presented by country’s major publishing houses as well as independent bookstores and vintage or collectable rare book sellers.

Among the highlights of the event were discussion forums with famous Lithuanian writers, scholars and politicians as well. On a Friday evening an American writer of Lithuanian ancestry Ruta Sepetys visited the Fair as an honorary guest of the event. She discussed her debut novel Between Shades of Grey and her own literary experiences which she gained in Lithuania during the process of writing. Among the writers there also was the former president Valdas Adamkus, who was signing his book “Last Cadence”.

On the second floor there was an exhibition of artwork by deceased Lithuanian writer and artist Jurga Ivanauskaite, which was made in early 90’s during her visits to India and Nepal.  Also some posters from Soviet era and paintings from contemporary Lithuanian artists were portrayed at the Book Fair as well.

The Book Fair still gives people that nice and memorable experience. It is an enjoyable event and another opportunity to meet old long lost people, renew contacts, or simply meet with friends and family. This is not a Frankfurt Buchmesse type of book fair, less busy but still very much enjoyable and interesting event, which attracts many visitors and aims to attract even more guests from all over the Baltic countries year by year. In a digital book era the destiny of traditional book may be questionable, but this time International Book Fair in Vilnius has proved that books are still popular and important part of everyday life.