Sparking Reading Enthusiasm: The Mission of the Leipzig Book Fair - Annual Leipzig Literary Festival Encouraging Reading Enthusiasm
Unleash the Literary World at Leipzig Book Fair 2023
Get ready to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of words, as the Leipzig Book Fair invites you to its grand spectacle from March 27 to 30, 2023. The event takes place amidst challenging economic times, particularly for smaller publishers, with book sales plummeting by 1.7% in 2024 according to the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. Despite a 0.8% increase in book prices, the industry struggles to cope. The book fair aims to reignite the flame of reading, and this year's event promises a captivating celebration.
Royal Welcome
The Scandinavian charm of Northwegen will grace Leipzig as the guest country, with the majestic Crown Princess Mette-Marit opening the stand on the first day of the fair. An avid reader herself, she also promotes Norwegian literature as an ambassador since 2017.
From Influencers to Nobel Laureates
The book fair serves as a platform for authors to shine. Over 2,000 events are planned for the reading festival "Leipzig Reads." Expect the appearance of renowned personalities like influencers Gazelle and Gialu, Malte Zierden, and Literature Nobel laureates Swetlana Alexijewitsch and Olga Tokarczuk. Bestselling author Sebastian Fitzek will be present for lengthy book signings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Audio Revolution
Book Fair Director Astrid Böhmisch believes that discovering reading also occurs through hearing. For the first time, the fair features an “Audio World,” comprising a stage and three listening islands for audiovisual content including audiobooks and podcasts, catering to an essential industry development.
Norwegian Literature
Having served as the guest country in previous years, Austria, the Netherlands, and Flanders, Norway steps into the limelight in 2023. The Norwegians will present almost 50 authors in Leipzig, featuring stars like Karl Ove Knausgård and Maja Lunde. Margit Walsø, Director of the "Norwegian Literature Abroad" association, emphasizes representing the entirety of Norwegian literature, including children's books.
Manga Mania
While the Manga-Comic-Con is a separate fair, it remains synonymous with the book fair's vibrant atmosphere. With visitors often sporting imaginative costumes, they pepper the spaces between traditional publishers, offering a lively display of color and energy. The fair management appreciates this blend, viewing the predominantly young audience as the future generation of readers. The Manga fair itself offers signing sessions, cosplay events, and Japanese workshops.
Merkel's Literary Journey
On the last day of the book fair, former Chancellor Angela Merkel will read from her biography "Freedom," but not as a program item of the book fair. Instead, this special reading is a part of the Literary Autumn Leipzig event at the Gewandhaus, which is sold out.
Tickets and Pricing
Daily tickets range from 22 to 31 euros, providing access to both the book fair and Manga Comic-Con. A season ticket for 60 euros grants entry every day of the fair. Ticket prices may be slightly lower at the advanced sale.
- With Norway as the guest country, publishers from EC countries converge at the Leipzig Book Fair 2023 to showcase their literary works, in an effort to revive reading interest and boost sales, particularly among smaller publishers.
- In the Audio World section of the fair, visitors can experience audiobooks and podcasts, as Book Fair Director Astrid Böhmisch believes that hearing stories can also foster the joy of discovery in reading.
- The Leipzig Book Fair 2023 invites readers to take part in a captivating celebration, with renowned personalities such as Nobel laureates Swetlana Alexijewitsch, Olga Tokarczuk, and bestselling author Sebastian Fitzek in attendance, all committed to promoting a love for reading among their audiences.
