The jubilee 30th International Book Fair, organized by Glas Srpske, was officially opened today in Banja Luka with a keynote address by Serbian writer, screenwriter, and academic Dušan Kovačević.
Kovačević emphasized that the Banja Luka Book Fair has become widely recognized and noted the effort required to maintain such an event. He also stated that Republika Srpska is an independent state with people who decide for themselves, adding:
“It is unacceptable that a descendant of a nation that committed the most terrible crimes comes as a protector. Anyone could, but not a German. That is mocking the people. I come from Šabac, which lost 60 percent of its population.”
President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik said at the opening that spirituality and culture nourish the identity of the Serb people, stressing that there is no Republika Srpska without books, youth, and knowledge.
“If everything were said about books, the reason to write would disappear. A book is an open page of our writers’ creativity. We must not lose books under the pressure of new technologies. What we need are books, and we must be convinced to pass this on to the younger generation,” Dodik said.
He pointed out that organizing a book fair for 30 years is neither simple nor easy:
“We must secure food and energy, but without spirituality and culture there is nothing. That nourishes our identity and carries us through time. Republika Srpska is aware of itself, it lives its own life, and it is and must be an independent state. That is a process, and we know there is no Republika Srpska without books, youth, and knowledge.”
Minister of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska Borivoje Golubović stated that the International Book Fair in Banja Luka has, for three decades, brought together publishers, writers, translators, and readers, building bridges of cultural cooperation and preserving the written word as the highest expression of spiritual and national identity.
He emphasized that this is one of the most significant cultural events in Srpska, reminding with each edition of the permanent value of books and the culture of reading, but also of the responsibility to pass that treasure on to future generations.
“The Banja Luka Book Fair has become one of the most recognizable cultural events, affirming our contemporary writers and publishers, enriching the domestic literary scene, and providing a space to exchange views on modern trends in literature, art, and society. It is also a meeting place where new ideas, friendships, and inspirations are born,” said Golubović.
He expressed hope that this jubilee will inspire continued nurturing of the reading culture, so that the written word remains a vital part of daily life and that books, as guardians of tradition and knowledge, continue to shine the path for future generations.
The International Book Fair Banja Luka 2025 is held at the Borik Sports Center and will run until September 22.
Source: RTRS
