The Journal recently published on the occasion of the 9th International Book Fair brings us an account of what it has been since it began in 2006, when it was known as Book Fair to where it is now.
The article refreshes our memory and gives credit to Asdróvel Tejeda as the initiator of the idea that in his opinion would enhance the importance of the upcoming Dominican Parade that was to be held, if carried out jointly.
Reading the article we are reminded of the complacent face of Don Jose Balbuena, with a display of books scattered on a table under a tree in the Campagnone Common. He had no lights when night fell, but he did not need it. His wide and sincere smile attracted book lovers, although they could not read in the dark they enjoyed his company and the literary debate.
The second exhibition, with the participation of several poets and writers who came from other states and was dedicated to our Cesar Sanchez Beras, the site was improved. This time, there were lights for Balbuena when night fell and the table full of books was clearly visible, though he was still in the open in Appleton Park on a cold October night.
Unfortunately, when the third book fair came along it was moved indoors, at 60 Island Street, Balbuena was not among us. Jose Balbuena left us on a Tuesday, August 5, 2008.
According to what Father Joel Almonó wrote for Rumbo (edition 371L of October 22, 2011) “The most important book fairs in the world are in the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, the Book Fair of Bogota, Colombia; the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair of Bologna in Italy; the International Book Fair of Buenos Aires, Argentina and the International Book Fair in Dominican Republic”.
If the International Book Fair of Lawrence continues it successful path, it will soon be added to the list of famous book fairs Father Almonó told us about. We are sure of this, because the roots of what we now know as the International Book Fair in Lawrence were planted in fertile soil in Campagnone Common from a modest table full of books by the immortal Jose Balbuena.
