The Book Fair at the Government College University Lahore got a warm response with its opening on Tuesday by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Aftab. The three-day book fair organised by GCU Library Society has brought more than 80,000 books under one-roof with an aim to rejuvenate students' love for books.
Besides sellers, as many as 37 publishers including Oxford, Sang-e-Meel, Bookman, Readings, Mauvra and Paramount have set up their stalls at the Book Fair and are giving up to 50 percent discount on their books. According to a survey being conducted by the GCU Library Society, as many as 1,835 books were sold in the first five hours of the opening of the Book Fair.
GCU Chief Librarian Abdul Waheed said that around 3,500 students, researchers and teachers have visited the Book Fair on the first day. He said that student and teachers from other universities are also coming to the Book Fair. Talking to students and media, GCU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Aftab said that books still have their own significance in the age internet. The vision, awareness, understating and knowledge you get by reading books; you can never have it by just reading book reviews and summaries on Internet.
Professor Dr Khalid Aftab issued directions to all the departments to draw maximum advantage from the Book Fair and purchase the latest quality books being provided by publishers on discount, adding that GCU Library would provide funds to the departments for this purpose.
The Vice Chancellor visited all the bookstalls and asked the publishers to provide maximum discounts keeping in view that those who are buying are "students." Professor Aftab said that that GCU would continue to organise more of such activities in the future to promote reading culture among the youth.
Talking to media, publishers said that their stalls are thronged by students and but not all are purchasing. They said that according to their experience, students buy books at the last date of such fairs. However, they also said that the university teachers and students preparing for various public service examinations has been showing great interest in books since opening and they have sold many to them in just few hours. GCU Library Society President Arsalan Wrraich said that visiting Book Fair is a great experience even if you don't have a temptation to buy book. It makes you aware that what kind of latest books are available on various topics.