Remember those Scholastic book fairs you used to go to in elementary school where they converted the gym or cafeteria into a mini bookstore and you could buy books?
That’s what the 45th annual Buenos Aires International Book Fair, or Feria Internacional del Libro, reminded me of, but a thousand times bigger and with the addition of speakers, book signings, and other events.
Since I love books, I was really excited about going to the book fair. I went three times while it was going on this year from April 25 to May 13. Yes, the book fair lasts for almost three weeks!
You might think: How many people are interested in a book festival that it goes on for three weeks? Even I was wondering that. But let me tell you—everyone goes!
Buenos Aires Loves Books
All three times I went to the book fair, which is held at the city’s La Rural convention center and fairgrounds, it was packed! It’s not just people who work in publishing or literary fields either. I saw people my age, families, teenagers, kids, old couples, young couples, and everyone in between. Almost 1.2 million people attended the book fair this year, according to its website. (To put that in perspective, 2.89 million people live in the city.) But Buenos Aires is apparently a city of readers—it has the highest number of bookstores per capita of any city in the world (or at least it did in 2015). After being here for a while that doesn’t surprise me. I have seen a lot of bookstores of all types and sizes, including the impressive El Ateneo Grand Splendid, in an old theater.
With more than 350 exhibitors at the book fair and so many people, there was a lot going on, which is why I went so many times.
What Happens at the Book Fair
In one building that is part of the convention center, each province of Argentina has a huge setup with books by authors from that area and books about the area, and photos and exhibits about the area too. There are also cultural events, like music and dancing. In another pavilion, bookstores and publishing houses have more giant stands selling books—every kind of book you could imagine, from kids’ books to comic books, and cookbooks to miniature-sized books. Some countries, like Brazil, Chile, Italy and more, had stands too. Every year a city is honored for its literature, and this year it was Barcelona.
All the different stands and booksellers have events, like book signings and talks with authors and illustrators. The first talk I wandered into was a discussion with three illustrators for children’s books describing their work and process. The second one I went to was a Q&A with three authors and journalists from Barcelona. I personally didn’t really know any of the speakers, but sitting in on some of the talks was a good way to practice my Spanish!
All in all, it was a pretty impressive event, especially because so many people go.
Nothing Beats a Used Book Store
However, my favorite part of going to the book fair was something I found outside of the book fair. Across from the La Rural convention center is the Feria del Libro de Plaza Italia, a row of 40 outdoor stands selling used books. It’s not related at all to the international book fair event, and the stands are there all year round. Although I love any kind of bookstore, I especially love used bookstores, so this was an exciting find!
I didn’t end up buying anything at the book fair, but I bought a used book from one of these stands. And now I know where to go next time I need a book!