The 2023 Katowice Book Fair runs from November 3rd to 5th. Although the official opening took place on Friday at 1:00 PM, the International Congress Centre was already buzzing with life early in the morning.
“Nearly 250 exhibitors have come to Katowice, 200 distinguished authors will meet with readers, and 250 events are planned, including workshops, literary meetings, discussions, and attractions for children. It’s a true feast for book lovers!” said Jacek Oryl, Director of the Katowice Book Fair and Vice President of the History and Culture Foundation, the Fair’s organizer.
The special guest of this year’s Katowice Book Fair is Free Belarus, and a new feature at the fair is the event block and exhibition sector the Science Encounters.
Waldemar Bojarun, Deputy Mayor of Katowice, addressed the large audience: “I can’t hide the smile on my face as I open this fair. Those who know me understand that it is not just a pleasant duty and a great honor, but also a deep joy in my heart to open this book fair, which grows bigger each year. Another aspect that brings me great joy is the number of young people who come here to engage with books.”
A special video message from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition, was then shown, prepared specifically for the Katowice Book Fair.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the importance of supporting independent Belarusian publishers and authors, but most importantly, the Belarusian people themselves. “A new wave of Russification is coming, and we must do everything in our power to preserve our native language. It’s crucial to talk about this, to open up to the world, and to see more translations from and into Belarusian. At a time when censorship and repression reign in Belarus, Poland is doing a lot to preserve Belarusian identity. The invitation to this fair is a sign of respect for Belarusians and Belarus as a country of free people, regardless of the regime in power. The book fair is not just an opportunity to shop, but also a chance to meet Belarusian authors and publishers. Today, the Belarusian publishing world faces the same challenge it did during the national revival in the early 20th century—to bring light. Books should save us from the darkness that Russians are trying so hard to immerse us in, forcing us to forget who we are. I have no doubt that we will overcome all difficulties. This struggle is not only for the freedom and independence of our country but also for recognition in the world. For freedom of speech, thought, and culture.”
Alina Koŭszyk, representative of the United Transitional Cabinet for the National Revival of Belarus, also spoke: “This is not the first time in our history that the Belarusian language has been forced to emigrate beyond Belarus’s borders. During the ban on the Belarusian language in Tsarist Russia, the iconic ‘Belarusian Dudka’ by Franciszek Bahuszewicz was published in Krakow in 1891, and his ‘Belarusian Smyk’ three years later in Poznan. The free development of our national culture is only possible in the conditions of an independent and democratic state. This New Belarus is the shared goal of our political and cultural actions. And I believe that every act of solidarity, every work in which we tell the world about Belarus, brings us closer to victory. That’s why I want to thank our Polish friends for their solidarity and the extensive support they give to our culture. For example, this stand at the fair or the translations of Polish literary classics into Belarusian, supported by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Poles have welcomed our creators as equals, as brothers and sisters, giving them the opportunity to continue developing their talents. We, in the United Transitional Cabinet, are doing everything we can to remind our partners of the need to continue supporting Belarusian culture through scholarships, creative residencies, and other programs for our creators.”
She added: “Before I leave, I want to ask you: What do you personally know about Belarus? Have you had the chance to visit it? How often do you read news from my country? Have you encountered our culture? We Belarusians often have to explain why we have tolerated a dictator for 30 years and still haven’t overthrown him. To understand a people and a country, you must read their books. So, I wish you an exciting journey to my homeland. A journey through books into the Belarusian heart. Long live Belarusian books! Long live Belarus!”
The Silesian Library is the knowledge partner of the fair. Its director, Artur Madaliński, assured that his institution supports every event, “especially such a spectacular one,” that revolves around books, reading, and literature. He invited everyone to the meetings organized by the Silesian Library at the fair.
Sonia Draga, President of the Polish Chamber of Books, referred to Alina Koŭszyk’s speech: “I feel a sense of unease as I follow international events in recent years. The presence of our special guest shows that there are still nations fighting for independence, struggling to break free from a dictator’s grip, while the world either cannot or, worse, does not want to help them. That’s why the role of us publishers and organizers of such events is so important—to give a voice to those who bear witness to the truth of these events. In the fight for independence, it’s not just military matters that are important—information and knowledge are just as crucial. If crimes and terror are documented, then not only media representatives but also publishers can help spread the truth. And here’s an appeal to institutions to remember to provide financial support for such initiatives. I also appeal to publishers and the media to bear witness to the truth, and to readers, not to remain indifferent to the evils of today.”