Book Week is a gathering of bookstores and people.

Reza Khojasteh, in an interview with a reporter from the Book News Agency (IBNA), announced a 15-20% discount on works at his bookstore on the occasion of the 33rd Book Week, adding: “We have considered a 15% discount for books from other publishers and 20% for works published by Kharazmi.”

Stating that the organization of Book Week should be fruitful, he said: “In previous years during this week, or as part of seasonal plans, book purchase vouchers and discounts linked to national ID cards were defined, which influenced sales and were very well received by audiences; unfortunately, these plans have been removed.”

The manager of Kharazmi Bookstore explained that Book Week is certainly effective in bookstore sales, and continued: “Besides the fact that Book Week definitely helps promote study and reading, what is important is the advertising and information dissemination about this week so that people are informed. IRIB (state broadcaster) should play a significant role in this regard, but it only addresses this important issue with short news items. So much should be said about the organization of Book Week that people become aware, just as they are informed about the International Book Fair held in May. The general public still doesn’t know about this event and its timing.”

Khojasteh stated that as a bookseller, they tried to play their part in Book Week, saying: “Messages have been sent to members and regular customers of the bookstore, informing them that books are offered at a discount. Furthermore, we are using the Book Week poster. Advertising is also done through the Kharazmi website.”

Referring to the prevailing economic conditions in society, he considered the holding of Book Week an important event and said: “Books have become expensive, and their print runs are scarce. We are in a situation where people want to buy second-hand books from bookstores, and this is a disaster. The higher the sales figures, the greater the cycle of book-browsing and reading. Advertising must be tangible and carried out on a wider scale to attract more buyers.”

Khojasteh considered Book Week a gathering of bookstores with the people, adding: “If this event is organized properly, people will come to bookstores and give them enthusiasm and excitement. I have been active in this field for over 32 years and have repeatedly said that the value of books is still not properly understood and appreciated. It should be understood more by officials and invested in.”

He cited the presence of Ahmad Masjedjamei in bookstores, coinciding with Book Week and Book Touring Day, as one of the good memories of this event.