The Beijing International Book Fair will be postponed to a later date as a result of the spread of the coronavirus around Beijing, fair organizers announced today. The fair, which was holding both in-person and virtual exhibitions, was originally scheduled to start tomorrow, August 25, and run through August 29. The organizers say they will release more information about the fair "as soon as possible."
Jon Malinowski, president of the Combined Book Exhibit, said that his organization had already shipped books to China, and were waiting for them to clear customers for the fair starting tomorrow. The organization planned to host six booths, including four for the Combined Book Exhibit, with more than 500 books on display, and two for Highlights for Children. The booths were to be staffed by locals, and no staff from the Combined Book Exhibit were traveling to China.
"We are in contact with our colleagues in Beijing and waiting to hear about new dates for the fair," said Malinowski. "Our hope is that it will be early to mid-September, but that too is coming up soon. Our fingers are crossed that it won't be canceled."
