Thousands of people on Thursday attended the 31st Havana International Book Fair starting Feb. 9, the island's largest literary event.
With the historic and military Morro-Cabana complex as its main venue,
Mariana Rodriguez, a 23-year-old university student from the Havana district of Marianao, told Xinhua she was interested in buying history books for her classes.
"I really enjoy reading," she said. "This is a good opportunity to catch up with the best of national and world literature."
Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez, who works as an engineer for a state-owned company, was excited that the event allows readers to interact directly with the authors.
"My wife and I are huge fans of novels," he said. "We want to meet the author of an interesting book we are currently reading."
Juan Rodriguez, president of the Cuban Book Institute, said that over 4,000 different book titles are available for readers attending the event.
"This is an inclusive fair, where different cultures, languages and countries can interact with each other, in order to strengthen the book industry for all types of readers," Rodriguez explained.
The fair also brings together writers, book editors and exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Puerto Rican writer Veronika Reca told Xinhua the fair serves as a platform for improving her writing skills.
"This is my first time in Cuba, and I am certain I will comeback soon," said the 39-year-old writer.
"Literature helps building bridges between peoples," she added.
In addition, some 1,000 e-books are on offer during the event, according to organizers. The fair also hosts the 12th edition of the Ibero-American Young Writers Meeting.
