Chennai Book Fair 2024 Plan to Sign 1,000 MoUs From 50 Nations

The 2024 Chennai International Book Fair (Jan 16-18) features 50+ countries, 1,000 MoUs, translation initiatives, library awards, and new library projects.

on Nov 20, 2024

The Chennai International Book Fair (CIBF) is set to take place from January 16 to 18, as announced by Tamil Nadu’s Minister of School Education, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, during an event at the Anna Centenary Library on Tuesday.

Highlighting its growth, he shared, “In 2023, 24 countries participated, resulting in 365 MoUs. Last year, 40 nations signed 752 MoUs. This year, we aim to sign 1,000 MoUs with participation from at least 50 countries.”

The event has fostered widespread translation efforts, with Tamil books translated into global languages like Arabic, Chinese, Italian, and Spanish, and Indian languages such as Bengali, Marathi, and Urdu. Similarly, books from languages like Turkish, Russian, and Persian have been translated into Tamil, with 160 works completed through these agreements. The Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹3 crore for translation initiatives.

The Bologna Children’s Book Fair, a renowned publishing industry event from Italy, will be the guest of honor this year.

During the announcement, awards were presented to exemplary libraries in Tamil Nadu and 29 individuals for contributions to library development. Recognition was also given to 17 active reading circles, 4 libraries with the most memberships, and 4 with significant donations.

Further, work for new district central libraries is underway in Tenkasi, Tirupattur, Ranipet, and Kancheepuram, each costing ₹6 crore. Plans to establish similar libraries in Kallakurichi and Mayiladuthurai are also progressing, the minister confirmed.