A book has the ability to transcend both time and place. It can take the reader to a different world that, although unfamiliar, presents issues that any reader could relate to in one way or the other. By being able to relate to literary characters, cultural barriers dissolve and the reader may find out that the world suddenly open to thousands of possibilities that were never before imagined. Books serve a greater purpose than simply entertaining the reader; they also provide a myriad of knowledge on every subject imaginable. The social and cultural transformation of the world has been very prominent and monumental due to the introduction of the book in our lives. The world has seen great enlightenment through the documentation of great people and events. Our advancement in science and technology has largely been due to the availability of historical records and thoughts of men long ago. But for books, the exploits of some great leaders and personalities would have long faded into myths and legends. Many years after the death of William Shakespeare, Magnus Sampson, Francis Serlomey, Amu Djoleto and other celebrated writers, their thoughts and values are as fresh as when they were alive. It is by these inspirations and acknowledgements of the permanent place that books have in our socio-cultural lives that the Ghana International Book Fair is organised yearly to bring stakeholders in the book industry together to trade rights, negotiate deals, explore business opportunities in the book industry and also bring publishers and writers into direct contact with readers of their books. This year's book fair, which is being organised on the theme: "Child Literacy, the Foundation for Future Development: A Reading Nation is a Winning Nation," will be held at the Trade Fair site in Accra from November 2 to 8, 2010. It focuses on children and as a result a number of children's programmes have been lined up to mark the event. The book fair is a cultural event that projects the country's literary culture. It is also a generator of foreign direct investments. The numerous visitors and participants in the book fair are potential tourists and investors. This year's book fair promises to be exciting and rewarding because a variety of books/ICT products from preschool to the tertiary level will be on display and consumers will enjoy significant discounts that exhibitors will offer. Organisers of the fair are impressed with the number, of foreign exhibitors from India, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) Nigeria; Zimbabwe, Kenya and other countries that have signed up to participate. A significant number of prospective exhibitors have expressed interest to participate. Organisers are hopeful that exhibitors both local and foreign would take up stand(s) to exhibit their products or services. They have also appealed to the general public to visit the Trade Fair site to see a variety of books and ICT products that will be on display. Source: Daily Graphic