Book fairs in India and abroad have always been popular in attracting the reading crowd. It has been a great way for young readers to get acquainted with books and authors. Now we want to understand how such book fairs attract and impact young readers.
The changing years
Aakash Gupta, CEO of Crossword Book Store, has seen a distinct change. “Earlier, they were primarily transactional spaces—places to buy books. Today, they have evolved into experiential events designed to immerse visitors, especially young readers, into the world of literature. Globally, fairs like the Bologna Children’s Book Fair have embraced interactive storytelling, augmented reality, and workshops tailored to young minds, making books come alive in new and exciting ways. In India, we see similar trends emerging.”
Mira Swarup, Executive Presence and Impact Communication Coach and Speaker, is an avid reader and visits book fairs often recommending books during her training sessions. “There has been an increase in book fairs now featuring independent authors and self-published work, providing a platform for emerging talent and more. Few things separate Indian Book Fairs from global ones: Cultural significance with a section dedicated to regional language literature, promoting linguistic diversity, and providing subsidized rates promotes availability towards a wider set of audience.”
Shashank Gupta, a creative director in advertising for 20 years and author of Visitors to the House, a YA novel, remembers travelling to Delhi from a small town as a kid almost 40 years ago for the book fair. “Books were the only excitement then. Children today have all the entertainment at their fingertips. That said, I had gone to the Delhi book fair this year for the promotion of my book and was surprised to see that some schools were bringing junior classes to experience books. I did not see too many individual or family walk-ins. I suppose then, being practical, it should be schools who should be asked to bookmark a free-day for a visit to the fair. A targeted approach, with special invites and author events, would make books important once again, especially to teachers.”
Game-changers
Mira personally feels the feel of paper, the smell of ink and the happiness of discovering new books personally is influential. “I also know for sure that young readers today look for meaningful connections and aren’t shy of interacting with like-minded peers, participating in workshops to discuss and debate their views, sparking new interests and passions. While digital platforms have expanded access, book fairs provide a unique tangible experience.”
Sohini Rohra, counselling psychologist, author and mental health advocate, mentions, “Newer genres that appeal to younger audiences, like graphic novels, speculative fiction, and stories with a climate theme, are introduced at these fairs. The habits and preferences of contemporary readers are greatly influenced by book fairs and may develop a lifelong love for reading.”
Aakash feels in these times of screens and digital media, book fairs have become a refreshing and needed bridge to the palpable and immersive world of physical books. “They introduce young readers to a diverse range of genres—often beyond what algorithms and digital platforms suggest—opening up worlds they might not have discovered otherwise. Moreover, the presence of interactive activities at our fairs helps foster a genuine love for books, proving that physical books still hold immense value in this digital-first world.”
Just suggest
Shashank advises, “I feel the book fairs should consciously talk to young readers. There should be a separate reader-author engagement segment, which could be advertised on all platforms. If the fairs highlighted more authors, instead of just the few, there will be a long-term relationship built with the various fairs. After all, people actually read the writer, and books become incidental. Fandom should be inspired and harvested for the good of all. Thereafter, the readers will ensure that footfall is impressive. Clearly, we need to create more author-stars.”
Mira sees a symbiotic relationship between young readers and book fairs. “While the young readers can influence publishers and authors by their demand for diverse characters, stories, and genres, the book fairs can offer a wide range of books, broadening young readers’ horizons. This can lead to a more inclusive and representative book market. Book fairs can host author sessions and workshops, where young readers can be inspired to pursue their own writing and storytelling ambitions. By working together, young readers and book fairs can create a dynamic and thriving literary ecosystem, thereby fostering a love for reading, a sense of community and shared interests.”
Sohini would be happy to see young readers and book fairs create a mutually beneficial connection. “Where, readers influence the direction of literary culture and fairs stimulate creativity and curiosity of the reader. To encourage reading and writing, book fairs can add more interactive, hands-on components like genre-specific zones, live storytelling, and writing competitions. They can highlight up-and-coming writers. The young readers attending these fairs with an open mind can deeply broaden their perspective. My suggestion would be to encourage a two-way dialogue—letting readers suggest themes and genres they’d like to explore, creating a vibrant literary ecosystem where books and ideas evolve together.”
“I’d love to see fairs become even more dynamic, with gamified book experiences, cosplay events tied to beloved characters, and storytelling competitions to actively involve young readers,” suggests Aakash. His simple suggestion to the parents is to take their kids to the book fairs and let them explore and pick books that excite them. “Give them the freedom to choose books that resonate with their interests. This mutual exchange—book fairs inspiring young readers and young readers shaping the evolution of book fairs—can create a culture of lifelong learning and curiosity.”
On a personal note
Sohini remembers an unforgettable moment during a children’s storytelling event at a fair. “A little reader, maybe ten years old, got up and passionately told her version of a traditional fairy tale. She beautifully demonstrated how young readers, as young as 10 years of age can reinterpret stories to represent their thoughts and goals, and her confidence and inventiveness impressed everyone. These kinds of moments demonstrate the book fairs’ transforming potential, as they give young minds the confidence to interact with, challenge, and rethink the books they meet. It was a touching reminder of how literature may influence and mould young readers.”
Aakash remembers two moments vividly. “The first was watching an entire family—a young couple and their 10-year-old daughter—explore the fair together. They spent over an hour browsing every section, passionately debating, planning, and selecting books they each wanted to read. It was heartwarming to see a family give so much importance to books and the joy of reading, making it a shared experience.”
His second book fair memory that kept him spellbound was the huge line at the checkout counters mainly filled with young adults. “Each of them was holding stacks of books, and their excitement was palpable. It struck me how, in today’s world of fast-paced distractions and endless screen time, so many from the younger generation are choosing books—choosing depth, imagination, and learning over fleeting digital entertainment. These moments remind me of the enduring power of books and the role we play in fostering this love for reading.”
Mira recalls a college student who got deeply immersed in a philosophical text. “Her face was etched with concentration. She was not just reading; she was thinking, analysing, and debating with the author. Later, I overheard her discussing a complex philosophical concept with a friend. Her passion for the subject was infectious. She spoke with clarity and insight, sharing her own interpretations and challenging conventional wisdom. This encounter reminded me of the transformative power of books. Book fairs, by providing a platform for such intellectual exchanges, play a crucial role in nurturing the minds of young people.”
Let’s hope book fairs become the platform to create a reading change amongst young readers.
