The print runs of books published in the Belarusian language increased by 17% in Belarus in 2015. This was announced today at a press conference by the Minister of Information, Lilia Ananich, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The print runs of books published in the Belarusian language increased by 17% in Belarus in 2015. This was announced today at a press conference by the Minister of Information, Lilia Ananich, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
According to the minister, this is a general trend of attention to the topic of national books, "which is precisely what should distinguish national book publishing." Attention to books by Belarusian authors, to historical themes, national culture, and books by contemporary and classic Belarusian writers – all of this is in demand in society and the state.
In total, 10,273 titles of books and brochures were published in Belarus last year, with a total print run of 21,550,000 copies.
As Lilia Ananich noted, despite the objective global trend of declining interest in reading, Belarus has lost much less in terms of the number of published book titles than could have been expected. The losses amounted to just over 10%. The print run decreased by 30%. This indicates a more balanced editorial and publishing policy. Another explanation is the withdrawal of the Russian partner "AST," which published Russian-language books here. The market share of the publishing house "Harvest," which represented "AST" in Belarus, now accounts for only 2%, whereas previously its share reached up to 50%.
Belarusian books were successfully presented last year at international exhibitions in Moscow and Frankfurt. Book exhibitions were also held at national exhibitions of the country, focusing on industrial and agricultural sectors.