As of: March 26, 2024, 5:02 p.m
By: Sven Trautwein
Comments
Press
Split
The Leipzig Book Fair exceeds last year's figures.
Hundreds of events in the city attracted book enthusiasts.
But it's not just the number of visitors that is impressive.
The impressive number of visitors of 283,000, including high-ranking political representatives from Germany and the host country Netherlands & Flanders, underlines the importance and diversity of literature.
Leipzig Book Fair 2024: Visitors at pre-Corona levels
The Leipzig Book Fair 2024 comes to a successful end with 283,000 visitors.
In 2025 it will take place from March 27th to 30th.
© Jan Woitas/dpa
Martin Buhl-Wagner, Managing Director of the Leipziger Messe, emphasized: “In 2024, the Leipzig Book Fair has once again shown how strong the power of the free word is, which is especially needed in difficult times like these.
Europe's largest reading festival once again offered a wonderful platform for important discourses, stimulating exchanges of opinions and first-class entertainment - whether at the exhibition center or at the many events throughout the city."
This year's book fair celebrated the 20th anniversary of the awarding of the book prize.
15 titles were nominated.
In the fiction category, Barbi Markovic received the award for her work “Mini Horror”.
Stay up to date on book tips and news from comedy, music and streaming with the 24books.de newsletter
Leipzig Book Fair: Authors in close touch with readers
Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, head of the German Book Trade Association, added: “The Leipzig Book Fair has once again shown itself to be a place for enthusiasm for reading and democracy.
The last few days have proven how diverse, lively and political the world of books is.
Visitors discussed current social issues and industry topics in an open exchange.
The high number of visits is the best proof that the book is still an indispensable part of our society.”
Numerous best-selling authors used the fair to strengthen contact with their readers, including Paul Maar, who became known to a wide audience with his “Sams” series.
His new children's book “The Enchantress's Daughter” is illustrated by his grandson.
I am extremely pleased with the great reception we have experienced here over the past few days.
This not only shows how unbroken the enthusiasm for literature is, but also illustrates people's desire to exchange ideas and discover new perspectives.
Astrid Böhmisch, director of the Leipzig Book Fair
The importance of the Leipzig Book Fair was underlined by the visit of numerous high-ranking politicians.
Among the guests were Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Flanders Jan Jambon.
However, Olaf Scholz's opening speech was disrupted.
My news
Sweater, park bench, daffodils: The hidden messages in Princess Kate's video reading
Putin wants an “empire” – also with the help of Soviet material: “Losses are an acceptable price” read
Seriously injured ski jumping ace with devastating bedside diagnosis
“That’s disrespectful”: Civil servants earn as little as citizens’ benefit recipients – and the traffic lights are watching
58 mins ago
Bridge collapse in Baltimore: Emergency services prevented an even greater accident - Governor celebrates hero reading
“Show of Force”: There is also a crunch between Russia and NATO
Leipzig Book Fair 2025: Guest country Norway
Norway gave a foretaste of its guest country appearance in 2025 under the motto “Dream in Spring”.
On Thursday, Laila Stenseng, the ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Berlin, opened the stand of the second largest Nordic country, which provided a stage for numerous readings by Norwegian authors over the following days.