The Chennai Book Fair continued to draw large crowds on its third day. Visitors flocked to stalls selling comics, children's books, and used books at massive discounts. Many people spent hours browsing through the collections.
Parents and Children Find Joy in Books
Nalini R., a parent at the fair, shared her experience. She said her son was completely captivated by a comic book. "My son could not take his eyes off a comic," she explained. "It is slightly pricey, but I am happy if it cuts his screen-time." This sentiment was common among families attending the event.
Mystery Genre Emerges as Top Choice
Kathir Kavan from Baskar Book House noted that mystery books were the most popular among visitors. "The mystery genre was the top pick among visitors," he stated. He also highlighted the attractive pricing. "Books here are sold for about half the price, and we give a 10% discount." His stall saw impressive sales, with books worth about 6,870 rupees sold within just a few hours of opening.
Used Books Attract Big Crowds
Stalls offering used books for 100 rupees each saw particularly large crowds. College student M. Harshitha expressed her enthusiasm. "I saw some old guides for school students," she said. "We can buy five times more books for the same amount from such stalls." This affordability made used books a hit among budget-conscious buyers.
Organizers Report Doubled Footfall
Members of the Book Sellers and Publishers Association of South India (Bapasi) organizing committee provided updates. By 5pm on Saturday, the footfall had reached 20,000 visitors. This number was twice the count recorded on Friday. Author and Bapasi member Shankar Gomathi Nayagam attributed the increase to free tickets. "Free tickets led to an increase in footfall," he observed. He also noted that people were taking their time to explore stalls, and the variety of children's books had grown.
Engaging Activities for Kids
Bapasi president R.S. Shanmugam expressed optimism about the coming days. "More customers are expected in the coming days," he said. To keep children engaged, several stalls offered workshops. Kids could sketch anime characters while their parents browsed the book collections. This added a fun, interactive element to the fair.
Improved Visitor Management System
Following earlier complaints about poor connectivity during QR registration, Bapasi introduced changes on Day 3. They brought back a token system to track visitor numbers. This move reduced wait times and promoted hassle-free movement within the fair. Along with tokens, visitors received gift hampers as an added incentive.
Lucky Draws with Book Prizes
Volunteers conducted random token picks for lucky draws. The first prize winner would receive two books, each valued at 1,000 rupees. The second prize winner would get three books, each worth 500 rupees. This initiative added excitement and encouraged more people to visit the fair.
The Chennai Book Fair continues to be a vibrant event, combining literary offerings with engaging activities and efficient management. With strong sales and high visitor turnout, it promises to remain a highlight for book lovers in the city.
