The International Book Fair for Children and Youth was launched in 1997 to promote reading among Moldovan children and young adults. The event is organized by the Ion Creanga National Library for Children in partnership with the Writers Union, the Fine Artists Union, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and several cultural institutions. It features about 120 publishing houses and book distributors from Moldova, Romania, Russia, Poland, Italy, Germany, France, China, and other countries.
Although the fair focuses on promoting books for children and young adults, its diverse program includes events and activities for attendees of all ages. They include book presentations (each year several dozen new book titles are launched during the fair), meetings and discussions featuring prominent authors, workshops and seminars, contests, exhibitions, conferences and forums, interactive activities for children, and more. Of course, there is a large book expo where visitors can buy books at low prices.
The Chișinău International Book Fair for Children and Youth presents a number of awards given to the best books, authors, translators, illustrators, publishers and exhibitors. There are special prizes awarded by Moldovan cultural organizations and institutions. The fair has a unique tradition where the book that won the title Book of the Year at the previous fair is given to the children attending the fair free of charge.
One of the most important cultural events in Moldova, the fair is held at the Moldexpo exhibition center. According to the organizers, it has become a cultural brand of Chișinău and the highlight of spring in the city.
Photo: Onisifor Ghibu
