The printing of the first batch of the Biblioteca del Pueblo (Library of the People) collection, a selection of the best of Cuban and universal culture, which can be acquired by the Cuban public during the 33rd Havana International Book Fair, is one of the happy news brought by the event.
According to Juan Rodríguez Cabrera, president of the Cuban Book Institute and the Organizing Committee of the event, which will take place from the 13th to the 23rd of this month, at a press conference, this extraordinary effort, along with more than 1,300 novelties (between printed and digital titles), more than two million copies, as well as about 40 countries represented and 400 foreign guests, shows the country's commitment "to continue giving culture to the people".
In spite of the difficult economic situation of the Island, under an intensified blockade, the director said, books continue to be presented and sold, a highly subsidized product; and the purpose of not staying only in the capital is maintained; hence the nationwide tour, which will culminate on March 23 in Santiago de Cuba. There will be books, there will be Cuba," he said and praised the will of the Government, writers and those who work in the sector to make it possible.
The Fair, with South Africa as guest of honor, and dedicated to intellectuals Francisca López Civeira and Virgilio López Lemus, in addition to paying special tribute to the 130th anniversary of José Martí's death in combat, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Territorial Editions System, created by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
This network, which currently groups 22 publishing houses, has produced more than five and a half million copies and published some 5,500 Cuban authors. On this occasion, the main headquarters, the Morro-Cabaña Military Historical Park, will host a specific presentation hall, where all the imprints and provinces will be present.
With 18 sub-sites in Havana and a strong community projection, the Fair intends to extend to neighborhoods, student and work centers, hospitals and prisons; and reaffirms itself as the largest cultural event in the country, in which all manifestations are united in a broad artistic program.
At the conference, attended by Yvonne Nkwenkwezi Phosa, South African ambassador to Cuba, it was reported that 11 programs will be held at La Cabaña. Josué Pérez Rodríguez, coordinator of the event's professional program, highlighted, along with the usual presentation halls, the seventh edition of the Cubadigital project, and the Tesoro de Papel Children's Pavilion, which will be moved to a more central area of the venue and will honor writer Nersys Felipe on her 90th birthday.
