Bologna International Book Fair Travelogue
Before the Book Fair Planning
I thought it only right to include the Bologna Book Fair logo above since it will be the primary topic of this travelogue! I am beyond excited to attend the Bologna International Book Fair! As I am preparing for my trip abroad to Italy, I am also planning what my two days at the fair will look like. There are so many events, speakers and exhibitions to choose from! Upon reviewing the Bologna's Children's Book Fair I am interested in attending the the following:
- Exploring and wandering!
- Panel: Where the Boys Are: The Right Books Can Make the Heroes
- Books that Seed a sustainable development Mindset: A Reading Promoters' View
- Book Signing: Steve Antony
- Finding Funny Around the World: Jeff Kinney Celebrates the Universal Humor of Wimpy Kid
- The Illustrator Exhibition
I have various interests and all of these events sound amazing! I know my time will be limited and certain events overlap so it may be tricky attending everything that interests me. I am most excited about the Book signing with Steve Antony! I enjoy reading picture books and his in particular are great!
At the Book Fair Content
I did not have much time to explore Bologna, as I was only there for two and half days. When I first got to Bologna I automatically felt the authenticity and history this city had to offer. I stayed in a VRBO near the city center with my husband, sister and her boyfriend. I was able to walk around a GOOD amount and by doing this, I felt that I was able to observe and get a feel for the culture and beauty this city imitates. I stopped at various small shops, thrift stores and restaurants. Calories did not count on this trip. I had enough pasta, gelato and pizza for a lifetime! Nothing was off limits! When traveling, I often tried to do the "non-touristy" things. I feel that this allowed me to enjoy the city from the viewpoint of a local (well as much as I can). I got lost on my walks and let them lead me to my next location. Bologna is truly a beautiful and historical city.
A small glimpse of the food Bologna had to offer!
I attended the Bologna International Book Fair for the first two days it was open. I can only describe it in one word, wow! It was impressive, beautiful and overwhelming! There were so many things to see, read and many people to talk to! I was able to see various individuals from multiple backgrounds make lifelong connections, right before my eyes! The amount of booths, images and of course, books was incredible! The dynamic or energy on the floor and panels was amazing! Everyone had so much energy and were willing to answer my questions.
One of the panels I attended called "Where the Boys Are: The Right Books Can Make the Heroes" was especially impactful to me. The panelists included Francesca Cavallo, Micheal Holman and Jonathan Simcosky. They discussed the importance of boys' and men's portrayal in literature. This topic is especially important and relevant in today's society. Oftentimes I find that men are looked at to be strong and powerful and this can mislead them to think they are weak if they show emotion. This panel discussion touched on this sensitive topic and made me think about things that I never would have considered. Ms. Cavallo's discussion was especially powerful and impactful. I felt that the way she talked about the issue at hand was truly authentic and fluent. It made me think about just how influential children's literature is to the youth. As librarians we hold a huge responsibility in our hands. We have the power to choose what get added to a library's collection. With this power we have to strive to keep an open mind and research books and materials that will positively impact our patrons. This panel did just that for me. It left an imprint in my mind and emotion in my heart. As I move forward in my professional career, I now have this discussion to look back on. I reflect on just what I can do to ensure that children, especially boys have literature available that will allow them to explore their emotions and strive to be proud of who they are and to move past what society expects of them. I can truly state that this panel discussion was relevant and impactful are various levels.
Where the Boys Are: The Right Books Can Make the Heroes Panel Discussion
Another great experience was meeting Steve Antony! He authored the Mr. Panda books and the newer book, Cat Nap. He was friendly and encouraged all those that met him to continue reading! I had a brief conversation with him but in that conversation he exchanged his love of writing and spreading joy to others. I myself strive to become a children's librarian and want to be able to provide children with the joy of reading. I may not be an author like Mr. Antony but I want to ensure that I am doing my part as a future librarian effectively. Being able to meet Mr. Antony, allowed me to start making connections with others and viewing first hand how much work goes into creating a children's book.
I have attached a photo of myself on the first of the Book Fair and with Steve Antony! You can see that I was extremely happy in both pictures!
Image Source: Personal Photos
Being able to view the city without distractions and be exposed to various languages and books at the fair were the most meaningful things for me! I never thought that I would get an opportunity like this one in my life. Throughout the two days at the book fair and the other days spent exploring, I kept thinking that this experience could not possibly be real. The conversations I had and people I met will always stay with me. I recall one particular conversation I had with someone who traveled from China to attend the book fair. I thought my trip from Boston was far! This individual came on her own because she truly was interested in children's literature and wanted to learn more. I am sure there were multiple other individuals that came to the fair for the same reason. This book fair can change lives and gain knowledge through the power of literature. This trip was one that I will always remember!
After the Fair/Post-Travel Reflections
Now that I am back in the United States, I am able to reflect and think about my experience. I thought about the things I saw, listened to and the multiple books I was exposed to. I was able to reflect on just how many works of literature and art that I did to know about before taking this trip. There is so much more to the world of children's literature and books that I have never see even seen. It made me think about the endless books about courage, culture, love, friendship and much more that may or may not get translated or be published in America. I came back with one question in mind. How can I apply what I learned into my practice as a librarian?
By attending the Bologna Book Fair, I find myself a better person and now thinking about just how many books there are all over the world that I have never heard about. I have always been a person that advocates for representation in children's literature. I always try to promote books that highlight various languages, cultures, disabilities and much more. However I have to admit that I never really thought about the international market before taking this course and going to this book fair. By attending this fair I am able to add advocacy for international literature to my list of efforts. I was able to see the amount work, effort and money that goes into promoting, advocating and translating international literature.
It made me think about just how little I feel I have done to advocate and promote for an more diverse book collection in the United States. I found myself Googling volunteer opportunities or events in which I can attend. How can I help? What can I do? One of the first steps I took was promoting books I found to be interesting from other countries and posting them on my social media. This is a small step but it is a step that was easy and free to do! Another step I took was making a list of all the new books I learned about during the book fair. I have already purchased some and plan to buy more this year! It starts with the little things that can grow into bigger things.
If you are a MLIS student or thinking about going into this line of work, I would highly recommend you focus on youth services and attend this fair! It is crucial that as librarians or striving librarians that we advocate and foster a love for reading and literature to the next generation. By focusing or learning more about youth services you are able to expose the youth to various perspectives, languages and cultures. This book fair can assist you in providing diverse opportunities and exposure to others and yourself. I know that by attending this fair, I was able to learn more about various authors, publishers and literature that I did not know about before. As librarians it is our responsibility to assist our patrons and community in getting access to a wide range of materials and resources. I guarantee if you attend the Bologna International Book Fair you will leave with new found knowledge of books, publishers, languages or cultures. Do not limit yourself. This experience has allowed me to gain new memories by traveling to new places, reading new things and reflecting on my own practices.
Please enjoy the following short clips from the fair!
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