Introduction
The fire at the Palace of Industry was an unexpected event for all of us. Many of us were very concerned for the future of this beautiful historical building, which has played host to fourteen Book World Prague 2009 international book fairs. Thanks to the dedicated and very professional work of the fire service, the central hall, the right wing and the whole of the palace's foyer have been preserved undamaged. We should also compliment the builders, who in their construction of the building 200 years ago took fire-prevention measures which served their purpose very well.
In place of the left wing, which perished in the fire, Incheba Praha s.r.o., lessor of the Palace of Industry, has erected a prefabricated, air-conditioned hall which is highly suitable; it will be joined to the foyer in front of the left wing. To access the left wing, fair-goers will again be able to make use of two entrances.
The programme will include:
Book World Prague 2009 has been granted the status of Official Event of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU; its central theme is 27 from 27 / Europe in Literature - Literature in Europe.
As part of the literary festival writers from countries of the European Union will be invited to the fair, where they will introduce their work and take part in discussions about life in a united Europe, questions of identity and diversity in European literatures, and recent trends in the literature of Europe.
The other themes of the accompanying literary festival, chosen in anticipation of a high level of interest among the general public and to serve as an inspiration to exhibiting publishing houses, are:
Cities in 1989 - programmes dedicated to cities which played a key role in the overthrow of communist regimes (Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Sofia, Warsaw)
Imagination and Creativity - exhibitions of books, programmes with author participation, discussions, films, book presentations
Literature and Education - a forum for the presentation of projects in education, campaigns in support of reading and education, the activities of the presses of universities and academic institutions
Cooking with the Book - programme to support an exhibition of cook- and recipe-books; with practical gastronomic samples and the participation of some interesting guests
BookWorld in Film - film adaptations of works of literature - Ponrepo cinema, Atlas, cinema at exhibition grounds
BookWorld on the Stage - in cooperation with theatres throughout the Czech Republic
Growing with the book
Project of a campaign in support of the reading of books in the Czech Republic
Under the auspices of the Association of czech booksellers and publishers
The project, intent on using innovative and interesting approaches to promote positive relationship to literature and books, is especially aiming to address preschool and school children.
Growing with the book - presentation.