Doorstep book fairs at gated complexes, blocks on weekends in Kolkata

KOLKATA: A unique initiative titled ‘Tomar Aamar Boimela’ is being organised by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild at the housing complexes and blocks in Kolkata during the weekends to raise awareness about Bengali books and to popularise books among children. The book fair was inaugurated on Friday at Regent Park Government Housing Estate and will continue till Sunday.The next fairs will be held at Utsarg apartment, Santoshpur, from July 1 to July 3 and Salt Lake’s FD Block from July 15 to July 17.
Secretary of the Guild Tridip Kumar Chattopadhyay feels that the initiative will provide a platform to readers, young and old to interact with authors since discussions revolving around books have been planned.

“The fair will raise awareness about books and will provide a platform for book lovers, young and old, to get hold of new and unique books,” Chattopadhyay added.
Sudipto Dey, owner of Dey’s Publishing and a member of the guild, felt people nowadays prefer to buy books online and many, especially senior citizens, have stopped visiting the counters at College Street. So, they thought of reaching out to people in their localities.
The fair at the Ranikuthi housing complex has attracted book lovers from all ages. Monika Brahmachari, resident of the housing, feels that the enthusiasm among the children to buy books at the fair is a positive sign.
Alok Brahmachari, secretary of the Regent Park Government Housing Estate Association, said: “We always dreamt of hosting a book fair at our housing complex since we have many book lovers here. Moreover, we also have an old library here so when the guild gave us the proposal, we agreed immediately.” The 76-year-old said that like many old timers, he too has stopped visiting book fairs at Salt Lake because of the distance, so this idea helped him to experience the charm once again.