By Charles Mkoka
The Director General of the Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) has officially closed the 32nd International Book Reading Exhibition, held from November 21 to 26 this year, praising stakeholders for their strong participation and commitment to promoting reading culture in the country.
“Today, we officially conclude this exhibition. I congratulate all stakeholders for the excellent displays, which have demonstrated to the public that the book sector in Tanzania holds a rich heritage vital for preserving our culture,” the Director said in her closing remarks.
She noted that the exhibitions have continued to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors in preserving knowledge, history, education, and culture.
She extended appreciation to authors from within and outside the country, as well as to the readers who continue to support the development of the book industry.
While reading the speech on behalf of the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, the Director General said the Ministry has received all the requests raised during the exhibitions and assured stakeholders that they will be acted upon.
In the ministerial statement, she emphasised that the government is modernising the national book policy and introducing new frameworks where necessary.
She also highlighted gaps in the TLSB’s own policy framework, noting the need for strengthened policies on books and reading culture, nationwide recommendations fully endorsed by the Minister.
“On the reading culture, TLSB operates at the end of the value chain. We sincerely thank all our sponsors for their support, dedication, and contributions that ensured the success of this event,” she said.
She further called on all stakeholders to observe the growing appetite among readers and to recognise the importance of supporting them as central to the industry’s survival.
The guest of honour also commended publishers such as Mkuki na Nyota for their innovation in producing audiobooks tailored to readers with visual impairments or other disabilities, calling it a significant step in inclusivity.
Special awards were presented during the closing ceremony, including the Inclusivity Award, which went to UWAVITA, with EMD emerging as the runner-up.
Additional recognition was given to Tanzania Education Publishers, who were runners-up in the Patriotic Education Books category, which was won by the Uongozi Institute.
Celebrated Tanzanian author Richard Mabala delivered special commendations to key contributors to the exhibition's success, including Hermes Damian, acknowledging his dedication to advancing the nation’s reading and publishing industry.
“I call him Superman, like Clark Kent. During the day, he appears ordinary, but in the world of books, empowering authors and publishers, he thrives in making this industry possible for all of us,” Mabala remarked.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards, gifts and a photography session to mark the successful end of the 2025 edition of the international book exhibitions.