Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture, believes that the book fair offers an opportunity for publishers, authors and anyone related to the book, even readers, to meet in person and talk about books, publishing and everything related. Books open up paths to inter-generational solidarity, they enter new worlds, open up new times and have the ability to interconnect, said the Minister in her speech.

The General Manager of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS), Aleš Cantarutti, noted that the Slovenian Book Fair is one of the most prestigious brands owned by CCIS because “a book is not only culture, but also some sort of business”. He believes that in times of uncertainty, it is even more important to pick up a book every now and then because it often offers answers to challenges which we all face. After the standstill due to Covid-19 measures, he believes that this year’s fair will be extremely lively and will provide the options to conduct interviews, share ideas and conclude transactions.

On behalf of Spain as the honorary guest, Maria Jose Galvez, the Director General of Books and the Promotion of Reading at the Spanish Ministry of Culture, said that they have presented a glimpse from its “literary ecosystem” at the Slovenian Book Fair two years ago in virtual form. This year, the public will be able to get to know the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country that includes approximately 770 publishers live.

A total of 88 exhibitors will be present at this year’s fair. More than 200 events will take place at the fair with domestic and foreign guests, and they will also present some awards. For the first time, comic books will have a dedicated space. The host city at this year’s 100th anniversary of the birth of writer Ela Peroci is Rogaška Slatina.

This year’s book fair follows the Library Week, which spanned from 14 to 18 November and concluded with the Library Day, which is celebrated on the 20 November every year. During Library Week, libraries all over Slovenia hosted various events aimed at addressing all residents of local communities. The main theme of this year’s Library Week and Library Day was the invitation titled Choose (to go to) the Library (Izvolite (v) knjižnico!).

According to the Secretary of State, Matevž Čelik, libraries have always played a progressive role in history. They were the silent carriers of social changes. This is the role they still play today. Libraries are the most numerous public cultural institutions with a very sophisticated network. They follow and understand the needs and trends in the environment, they provide reliable services to the citizens and contribute to their better information literacy. Today, they also carry out several new functions and are broadening their mission. They connect the physical and digital worlds and are the link between and the builders of the community of the future. They are therefore a key and indispensable actor for the Ministry of Culture in the development of future cultural policies and other strategic documents.

There are 58 general libraries operating in Slovenia, which have more than 12 million units of materials. One fifth of the population are members of general libraries, and more than half of the people use library services in various ways. The purpose and mission of the general libraries is to satisfy the needs and wishes of users of all ages in integrating them into society in all areas.