The annual book fair is being held for the ninth consecutive year at the National Labour Centre in Hamrun between Friday and Sunday.

The purpose of the Book Fair is to promote reading and is being organised to commemorate UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day celebrated on 23 April every year.

A number of embassies are going to take part in the fair for the second consecutive year. Last year, three embassies participated and this year there will be five. The countries taking part are Italy, France, The Netherlands, Britain and the US.The latter will contribute to the story telling sessions with pieces by American author Dr Seuss.

During this year’s fair, three Maltese authors will be commemorated – Guze` Chetcuti who died last year, Karmenu Vassallo, on the 20th anniversary of his death, and Dwardu Cachia author of the famous Ballata ta’ Katrin ta’ l-Imdina, on the 100th anniversary of his death. There will be readings by Charles Abela Mizzi, Joyce Guillaumier and a number of children under the guidance of Miriam Cassar. These sessions will take place on Saturday between 5 and 8pm and on Sunday between 10am and 12pm.