Book fairs as educational spaces

Recent trips to bookstores and book fairs have prompted us to wonder why these are not considered learning spaces.

We may come across children and teachers at book fairs but their presence is generally rare, though there is immense potential that these spaces harbour.

So, what do these spaces have to offer?

Let us begin with book fairs. The sheer number of books we see at an annual book fair in Delhi is hard to match.

Images of people squatting on the floor, chatting excitedly about books and carrying bags full of books have stayed with us since.

The smaller book fairs that are conducted on university campuses in Banaras were different. Here we noticed people drop in like they were visiting friends — with time on their hands and eagerness.

The book stores have been fun too. A large book store at Allahabad, in particular, has overwhelmed us with the range of books it houses.

The people who visit are familiar with these shelves like the back of their hands. Together, they have helped bring down our ignorance of Hindi literature.

Another bookstore in Banaras, which is much smaller, is chock full of conversations. Here, we realised how even a small physical space can create a community around reading.

If books have the ability to open our minds and hearts, then, for those who are younger, they can work wonders.

Learning spaces

Bookstores and book fairs allow us to touch, smell and feel books. Some people find the smell of books sensuous, some enjoy the covers while some just savour the feel of being surrounded by them.

To quote Neil Gaiman, "A book is a dream that you hold in your hands."

These spaces introduce us to new authors and books that we are not familiar with. New authors and books can open up windows to the world. Worlds we may not be aware of.

Jamila Rizvi once said, "A trip to the bookshop is the ultimate exercise in empathy. Within it, you will find endless opportunities to see and understand the world from someone else’s point of view."

Bookstores and book fairs also present us with the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Bookstores also enable us to spend time with books alone — this is a one-of-its-kind treat.

For someone who loves books, these spaces provide assurance. Being in a bookstore is like being in a garden. One does not necessarily need to take action. Just being there helps.

(The authors are educators)