Cuba Book Fair: Cuba's love affair with books

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Book fairs in many countries are mainly trade fairs for the publishing industry to show off their latest works. But in Cuba, it's more like a giant book SALE attracting tens of thousands of people. As CGTN's Michael Voss reports, the book fair in Havana has become the largest and most important cultural event of the year in the country.

The Havana International Book Fair is held in a sprawling colonial-era fortress overlooking Havana, its narrow passageways packed with people eager to see what's for sale.

MICHAEL VOSS HAVANA Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world and locally published books are heavily subsidized. But there aren't that many bookshops and selection is limited. So this annual fair is an opportunity for people to broaden their horizons and stock up on books for the rest of the year.

"The fair is great, people come to entertain themselves and read. We have lost some of our reading culture due to the use of cell phones, but I come from a generation that keeps it up."

This year, the fair has attracted publishers, exhibitors and authors from around 40 countries. A lot of what is available is non-fiction; the first title you see on entering this stand is a book on U.S. President Donald Trump. It's one of six books this woman has selected so far and the first one she says she intends to read.

"It's a great fair; there are so many categories to choose from. It's improved a lot. There is so much available."

The fair has turned into a popular family outing and the largest number of stands are taken up with children's books.

"I love the fair, it's all very beautiful and there are many books to read and all that. I like to read very much, especially about animals."

Once the fair ends in Havana, it moves on to all the other provinces in the country. The number of books sold is one sign of success. Another goal is to ensure the next generation of Cubans don't lose their love of books. Michael Voss, CGTN, Havana.