In the provincial book fair in Khuzistan was launched on May 29 with the attendance of "Mohsen Parviz" the cultural secretariat of the ministry of culture and Islamic guidance, Seyyed Jafar Hajari the governor of Khuzistan, Ayatollah Shafiee and Ehsanollah Hojjati in Ahvaz.
Parviz added: A book fair is not simply for selling books but for encouraging people to read. This year we have announced our readiness for promoting book fairs in all the provinces.
Hajari, the governor of Khuzistan, thanked the upholders of this fair and said: Khuzistan ranks third in the country's library-use chart, which shows the frequent use of libraries by the people of this province.
Hajari expressed hope that with the aid of responsibilities the number of libraries in this province will soon be increased.
Ayatollah Shafiee, the representative of Khuzistani people in the Khobregan council, referred to the importance of books and reading in religion, saying: According to a Hadith (saying) by Imam Sadiq (AS) one should share his knowledge by writing.
He said: The book fairs have been improved in the past few years. I believe that even with the improvement of e-books, hard copies would still play an important role in the improvement of culture.
The general manager of culture and Islamic guidance office in Khuzistan said: 300 publishers from around the country took part in this fair with 33 thousand books. The fair has 150 stalls that are installed in a space of 3 thousand square meters.
According to Hojjatol Eslam "Basi Khasteh" the book fair presents the books with a 40% discount. Many sideline programs are also held during the fair.
The provincial book fair of Khuzistan runs from May 29 till June 3 in Ahvaz.