By: María Acosta
Santo Domingo. – Sellers and representatives of publishing houses accredited in the International Book Fair Santo Domingo 2024 (FILSD 2024) expressed concern about low sales, despite the notable number of visitors who come to the Plaza de la Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte, where the event is held.
María Elena Díaz, author of ‘Young People Who Don’t Surrender’, told the newspapero The Day when “book sales are not as they should be”; “There is a lot of traffic of people, but the majority are young people and children who come for a walk or to recreate, not to buy books.”
In a tour carried out by this means, it was possible to verify the constant flow of visitors through the different pavilions, but the sales do not reflect that attendance.
Arelis José Estévez, author of ‘A proof of bullets’, acknowledged improvements in the cleanliness and organization of the event compared to last year, but added: “People do not come with the purpose of buying books, and those who do are looking to purchase copies. “They ask for very old titles that we don’t have here.”
We invite you to read: The fair is a bridge between science and culture
Estévez suggested that attendees should be better guided through universities, schools, and the media about the type of books available at the fair, to avoid the frustration of searching without success.
The author also commented with concern that many young people are unaware that books are sold at the fair or do not have the budget to buy.
On the other hand, Liliana Rodríguez, a university student, explained that she attends the fair with the intention of acquiring books of her interest at special prices.
The most important cultural event in the country ends tomorrow, November 17, after several days of activities, book sales and tours of 15 pavilions and literary spaces.
The complete FILSD 2024 schedule is available on the Ministry of Culture portal (www.cultura.gob.do) and on the institution’s social networks.
