“I believe it was my best salon ever! There were many attendees, and we almost ran out of books! It’s always a true pleasure to have such wonderful interactions with the public,” stated Mikaël Lalancette, author and journalist at Soleil, according to the press release sent to the media.
Virginie Gagnon, the director of the Regional Book Fair, also expressed satisfaction with the first edition of the event she leads.
“What an extraordinary first edition you brought to life! I am incredibly proud of the entire team: volunteers, contractors, employees, and board members. They did an amazing job.”
— Virginie Gagnon, director of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Book Fair.
Over the weekend, there were a total of 1,445 book signings, along with 180 visits by 20 authors to local schools, impacting approximately 5,000 young people, according to the Book Fair.
Activities also occurred outside the Palais des congrès at the Delta Hotel in Jonquière. The Cabaret of naughty readings at Côté-Cour was packed, as usual, while half a dozen author meetings were held in various libraries.
“This year, once again, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of the public and the community spirit that develops each time among the participants in the sector, the Show was a genuine celebration. Thank you to everyone who helped make this sixtieth edition a success!”
— Philippe Fortin-Villeneuve, president of the board of directors of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Book Fair.
An exhibition celebrating the 60 years of the Salon’s existence in the region has been incorporated into the usual programming to commemorate this milestone.
The Enthralling Experience of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Book Fair
“I think it was my best salon ever! People were there, and we even almost ran out of books! It’s always a real pleasure to have such wonderful encounters with the public,” declared Mikaël Lalancette, author and journalist at Soleil according to the press release sent to the media.
Success of the First Edition
The director of the Regional Book Fair, Virginie Gagnon, was also filled with satisfaction regarding the first edition of this event. This sentiment was shared across the board as participants experienced a lively atmosphere.
“What an extraordinary first edition you brought me to life! I am so proud of the entire team: volunteers, contract workers, employees, and board members. They did a magnificent job.”
— Virginie Gagnon, director of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Book Fair.
Event Highlights
The fair achieved remarkable milestones, with a total of 1,445 book signings happening over the weekend, as well as 180 visits by 20 authors to local schools, impacting approximately 5,000 young readers.
Engaging Activities
Activities were not confined to the Palais des congrès at the Delta Hotel in Jonquière. The Cabaret of Naughty Readings at Côté-Cour enjoyed a full house, while several intimate meetings with authors took place across various local libraries, fostering a sense of community.
“This year again, thanks to the intense and enthusiastic participation of the public and the community spirit which develops each time between the actors and actresses in the sector, the Show was an authentic celebration. Thank you to those who helped make this sixtieth edition a success!”
— Philippe Fortin-Villeneuve, president of the board of directors of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Book Fair.
Celebration of 60 Years
In honor of its 60th anniversary, a special exhibition was added to the usual programming, showcasing the rich history of the Salon in the region. This further deepened the connection between authors, readers, and the community.
Benefits of Attending Book Fairs
- **Networking Opportunities**: An excellent platform for authors, publishers, and readers to connect.
- **Engagement with Authors**: Attendees can interact directly with their favorite authors, ask questions, and gain insights.
- **Promotion of Reading**: Fairs often include activities designed to inspire young people to read more.
- **Community Spirit**: Such events foster a sense of belonging among writers and readers alike.
Practical Tips for Future Visitors
Plan Ahead
Check the event schedule in advance to ensure you don’t miss any author signings or special activities.
Engage with Authors
Prepare questions you might want to ask; this can enhance your experience during author meet-and-greets.
Explore Local Literature
Take the opportunity to discover new and local authors, broadening your literary horizons.
Table of Notable Statistics
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Book Signings | 1,445 |
| Author Visits to Schools | 180 |
| Participating Authors | 20 |
| Youths Impacted | 5,000 |
First-Hand Experiences
Attendee Testimonials
Many attendees expressed their joy at the variety of offerings and the vibrant atmosphere of the event. Families appreciated the engaging workshops and activities tailored for children, making it a memorable experience not just for avid readers but for families alike.
Author Perspectives
Authors shared their excitement about meeting enthusiastic fans and having discussions that often went beyond simple signings. This personal interaction enriched the overall experience for both parties.
