Penguin Book Fair at Etc.

A deeply engrossed child seen at the book fair

Buyers welcome the initiative: 'We generally don't get enough of Penguin's books in Bangladesh,' said a visitor at the stall. Although a few booksellers import classics and newly published books from different foreign publishers, the prices are always very high. Although at Etc. the prices are not cheap, the collection has an array of disciplines to choose one's favourites from.

The joint venture fair organised by Etc. and Penguin features books published by the Penguin UK and USA only. Besides, books from other publishing houses that have agreement with Penguin are also here.

Etc. has a customer service under which any Tk. 500 purchase gives the buyer a membership that facilitates him/her with an account at the Etc. From then on a discount of 5 percent on the whole purchase is accumulated in that account and the buyer can later use that amount for buying books. On the occasion of the fair, however, Etc. increased the discount to a 10 percent rate while there is no fixed amount for acquiring the membership. This along with the attractive collection of books has boosted up enthusiasm among book lovers.

Etc. sources said that books of reference, encyclopaedia and atlas have sold most. World Desk Reference has been the most sought after among the reference books. Besides, travel guides and lifestyle books also have had good response. A series of Marie Stopes books on pregnancy and childcare have been a special choice for many women.