Georgetown: The Georgetown Reading and Research Centre (GRRC) recently launched the 2014 Guyana Book Festival at its permanent 38,000 square-foot location, Bookland, on Woolford Avenue and Albert Streets.
According to GRRC Founder and Director Rupert Hopkinson, there has never been a sale of this magnitude in the organisation’s 17-year history. The garden-like facility, filled with books and lush plants with tents here and there, lends itself to a delightful experience browsing the hundreds of thousands of books available and additional social activities.
Hopkinson stated that Bookland will have special offers. He said every buyer would be entitled to a free book, with at least three to 20 free books for those who purchase more than $1000 worth of books. Hopkinson explained that he was motivated to give away the relatively large amount of free books to give buyers an opportunity to donate to their favourite libraries, organisations or individuals. He also pointed out that, as an alternative, buyers can obtain credits from their purchase and select choice books.
The GRRC Director said more than 100,000 books will be sold at the Book Festival and all books will be 20-60 per cent off the regular price. The Centre has budgeted to give away about 10,000 books during the event to help promote literacy in Guyana. Many books will be sold for $100- $300, and the recent arrival of a unique selection of about 8000 books will add variety to the book sale.
GRRC was estabilished to provide a cheaper alternative to purchasing textbooks. Hopkins explained that while the focus remains, the organisation has moved into other directions that can support its current and future ventures to achieve its mission of “getting books in every household”. The Guyana Book Festival ends on Sunday, September 3.
