“In the past, we held an exhibition at the Government Quaid-e-Millat College for Women. But, the lack of space drove us to different venues,” said K.S. Pugalendi, Secretary of BAPASI (Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India).

“If the government provides us a permanent space, we would set up the infrastructure. This year, we had to reject applications from 120 stalls due to lack of space,” he said, adding that 20 per cent of all their book sales happened at the Chennai Book Fair.

This year, the fair will feature over 30,000 new titles in English and Tamil at 750 stalls. The fair will be open between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. on January 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21 and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on other days.

Apart from three ATMs booths, a courier counter will also function at the venue.

An oratorical and short story competitions is also being organised for college students at Queen Mary’s College and for a period of 30 days from January 9, you can also purchase books online from www.chennaibookfair2015.com.