Low sales at the Ariyalur Book Fair concern stall owners and publishers

on Jun 29, 2022

Bookstall owners and publishers have advised the district administration to improve promotion following weak sales at the Ariyalur Government Higher Secondary School book fair. According to them, the fair's attendance is poor since few people are aware of it.

The fair, organised by Tamil Cultural Academy, began on June 24 and will run till July 4. It starts at 11 a.m. and concludes at 10 p.m. As part of the fair, there are several art displays, seminars, and awareness programmes. The expo was opened by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

However, stall owners reported a dismal turnout. A stall owner who did not want his identity revealed to TNIE stated, "This year's fair was held much ahead of schedule, which may have contributed to a lack of public awareness. Students in high school and college should be encouraged to visit the stalls. We generally get assistance from the administration. Panchayat authorities used to buy the books that were needed for the panchayat library. However, until recently, the fair has not drawn a large enough attendance."

"The book fair conducted in 2019 provided us with good cash," stated another stall owner. This year, I'm not even making '2,000, and the stall rent is '9,000. The fair should be promoted more aggressively. In addition, the Collector should direct that the panchayat and schools visit the stalls.

Collector P Ramana Saraswathi responded when contacted, saying, "On Tuesday, they (stall owners) approached me about the problem. I've asked the chief education officer to take care of it."