Book fair launched

[NewsWhore]

Just hours before last night's inauguration of the XII International Book Fair by President Leonel Fernandez, the work of security, cleaning, setting up of booths for exhibitors and carpentry work, painting and decoration dominated the organizers' attention. More than 322 exhibitors, dozens of guides, and 30 countries will work to ensure that visitors can make the slogan of this year's event, "Reading raises you up" part of their lives. According to Diario Libre, this XII edition of the Book Fair, which features Brazil as guest of honor, will include visits by some prominent international writers and intellectuals like Fray Betto, a leading liberation theology thinker and author of more than 40 books. The book fair will also feature appearances by Nelida Pinon, the first woman to hold the presidency of the Brazilian academy of letters, along with Adolfo Castanon and other intellectuals. Book Fair director Alejandro Arvelo promises that this fair will be "the best organized in the last five years". Minister of Culture Jose Rafael Lantigua was seen yesterday walking around and closely monitoring the set-up. He looked optimistic, saying that he thought that due to the economic crisis that has gripped the attention of the politicians, the number of book fair participants might be reduced, which, to his own great relief, has not been the case. Lantigua said that they have been following an austerity plan. Referring to the sales of books, teaching materials and food that also form part of the offerings, Lantigua said, "I think that during these 14 days (the duration of the event) the Fair will boost the economy here in Santo Domingo."

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