May 15-18, 2012 : the 6th International Chekhov Book Festival was held in Taganrog. The opening of the festival was held at the historic Chekhov Drama Theater. Mayor of Taganrog, Vladimir Prasolov welcomed the guests and participants of the festival, highlighting that this book festival is known not only in Russia, but also abroad. "It unites many people - those who write books, those who publish them and most important - people who read these books. Connection and understanding between writers and readers are very important."
Mayor Vladimir Prasolov opening 6th International Book Festival.
"Now in this hall we have many people who are the makers of contemporary literature. Thank you for providing Taganrogers with this opportunity. I am certain the festival has a fine future, and it will be getting more exciting every year, attracting more attention to Taganrog, not only the home city to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, but as a city rich in literary traditions", said Mayor Vladimir A. Prasolov.
Alexander Mirgorodskiy, Foreign Relations Officer told about another interesting library project. The funds of Taganrog Public Library are enriched with books in foreign languages. Foreign authors and foreign citizens not indifferent to Russia and Taganrog responded to 6th Chekhov Book Festival's call and continued Anton Chekhov's old tradition to gift books in foreign languages to Taganrog's historical public library. "We have received books from Bulgaria, Germany, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Netherlands and Ukraine", said A.Mirgorodskiy. "Our sister cities Lüdenscheid and Badenweiler, Pinsk, Cherven Bryag also took part in this project". A unique collection of volumes dedicated to archaeological digs in downtown Taganrog was presented by Deutsches Archaeologisches Institut in Berlin, Germany. Taganrog Public Library received signed books from such established authors as Alfred Komarek (Austria) and Anne Cuneo (Switzerland).
Hélène Mélat, Professor of Sorbonne University and Nikolay D. Alexandrov, literary critic, TV/radio host performing French folk songs at ARENA club.
Among foreign guests of the festival was Hélène Mélat, Professor of Sorbonne University in Paris, France and Chief of Books Dept. at French Embassy in Moscow. Hélène Mélat participated in several events held within the framework of the festival, including "The Music Salon" at Arena Club and met with students and teachers of Taganrog Teachers College.
Within four days, writers who came to attend book festival in Taganrog participated in over thirty meetings with Taganrogers - in libraries, schools, colleges, kindergartens, houses of culture, cafes and in the book fairs in the streets.
