The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) will be held virtually from 19 March to 4th April this year. Now in its 40th edition, the book fair has been a mainstay of the Malaysian book publishing industry. In the past few years, close to two million visitors thronged the halls of the ten-day fair.
The book fair was a much-awaited event for students, teachers, librarians and book lovers not only for those living around capital city Kuala Lumpur but also throughout the country. They come to view a wide selection of books, take advantage of promotions and to meet their favourite authors in person. It was also a day or days of outing for families. While primarily a consumer fair, the KLIBF has an international rights component.
Last year, the fair which was usually held in April had to be cancelled as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country. A virtual fair was organised with the online consumer platform, Shopee. This year will be the same with a plethora of campaigns starting from 24 February.
It is unlikely that a virtual fair can duplicate the special experience of a physical fair but no doubt publishers, authors and booksellers will be connecting with their readers in even more creative ways.
The KLIBF is organised by the National Book Council of Malaysia under the auspices of the Ministry of Education with the Malaysian Book Industry Council comprising key associations of the local book industry including the Malaysian Book Publishing Association (MABOPA)
Great , looking forward to your update 😊
Hi . Is the international rights component still open ? I am looking for virtual participation in it .