Algeria aims to spur reading

2010-11-01

While the number of people flocking to the 15th Algiers Book Fair attests to Algerians' unflagging interest in reading, exorbitant prices turned off even the most intrepid readers.

By Mouna Sadek for Magharebia in Algiers – 01/11/10

The 15th Algiers Book Fair (SILA), set to run through November 6th, attracted some 460 exhibitors from more than 30 countries as well as crowds of avid book-lovers. The event, which opened on Tuesday (October 26th), provides an opportunity to assess the state of reading in the country.

"Reading contributes to raising the cultural level, reaffirming national identity and building a democratic society where equality of opportunity is offered to the public," Culture Minister Khalida Toumi said at a press conference.

Despite Algerians' love of books, many visitors appeared discouraged by the price tags on some of the publications.

"There are some really attractive titles, but the problem is that the prices just don't fit in with Algerians' living standards; they're beyond the reach of those on average household budgets," Feriel Moussouni, an engineer, told Magharebia, although he did admit to one reckless purchase: "La Muqadima" ("Prolegomenon") by Ibn Khaldoun, which cost 1500 DA (14 euros).

The Algerian government has been implementing an array of pro-reading measures. In 2008, Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia issued a decree covering the import and sale of books through festivals, fairs and trade shows. Last August, the Council of Ministers decided to introduce a VAT exemption on paper for book printing.

In addition, the Culture Ministry is planning to increase funding for creative activities in 2010-2011, open the National Book Center and enforce a new law on books and public reading. The Ministry also envisions opening 137 libraries, launching 54 more and acquiring 12 new mobile libraries. Toumi also announced an extension of legal privileges for book-related investment activities under the Complementary Finance Act (LFC 2009).

"In 2014, Algeria will have 48 main libraries in its wilayas and 400 local lending libraries operated by the Culture Ministry," she said, adding that these libraries will have a special status in line with UNESCO guidelines.

Furthermore, the National Education and Culture ministries are set to hold a meeting before the end of 2010 to study the possibility of incorporating a requirement to read at least four works every school year into academic curricula.

"The list of titles will be reached by common agreement, with priority given to the nation's greatest authors," Toumi announced.

Although the government has redoubled its efforts to encourage reading, some publishers and thinkers expressed skepticism, fueled by the fact that a number of booksellers shut down shops due to a lack of readership.

Among the skeptics is chief of the National Union of Book Publishers (SNEL) Fayçal Houma, who thinks that the new measures, particularly the VAT exemption, will have little effect on book prices.

"I'd have preferred some kind of tax reduction, with rebates on IRG [global revenue tax] or IBS [corporation tax] rather than this VAT exemption," he told Magharebia.

Chegnanne Abdellah, from Dahlab Publications, feels that the VAT exemption should be backed up by exemption from customs duties to reduce the price of books.

According to Salma Hellal, from Barzakh Publications, the entire industry, including printers, publishers, distributors and bookshops, must take action to revive Algerians' gusto for books.

"The problem is that neither schools, nor families, nor the authorities have seen reading as a priority. They've taught children to decipher text, but not really to read. It is now more urgent than ever to remedy this problem," Mohamed Layadi, 47, said.

Source: Magharebia.com.
Link: http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2010/11/01/feature-02.