216 book publishers will attend the 1st edition of the Algerian Book Fair, scheduled from 11 to 20 March at the Central Pavilion of Palais des Expositions (Pin Maritime) in Algiers.
Organized under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, this national event will see the participation of 216 publishing houses and 12 public establishments, said Mustapha Kallab Debbih, president of the National Organization of Book Publishers (ONEL), organizer of the event, highlighting a cultural and professional program and signing sessions by up to thirty writers, who published their works using their own funds.
Professional conferences will address several themes, including challenges of publishing in Algeria in the last five years, distribution, translation, books in schools and e-book, in addition to the fight against piracy, copyrights protection.
A strict health protocol will be put in place on this occasion, in particular access only for those over 16, physical distancing, the provision of hydro-alcoholic gel at the entrances and periodic reminder of preventive measures.
A large screen will also be installed in this pavilion to broadcast the conferences, in addition to an application allowing access to all publishing houses and their works, added the organizers.
This initiative aims to “revitalize the cultural scene after a year of almost total paralysis due to the pandemic, which hit the publishing industry hard”, explained the organizers, while ensuring that this cultural event will now be held” annually in March “.
Regarding the impact of the pandemic on publishing, Mr. Kallab Debbih said that this sector “has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, calling on the Ministry of Culture to “support these publishers through its support mechanisms” as well as “the development of specifications to define the true publishers deserving this support”.
