Book fair is setting sail

Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, will soon bring its international crew to Bahrain. The ship will open to the public next Wednesday to allow visitors the opportunity to purchase books and meet crewmembers.
The ship’s 400 crewmembers are volunteers from 50 countries, leaving behind families, jobs and the security of their homes. The crew aims to offer a unique example of unity in cultural diversity.

Some come with qualifications to fill specific roles such as engineering officers, plumbers, carpenters, book keepers, cooks and other professions, although often young people come with no qualifications except a willingness to serve.
 
“Although they have different backgrounds, the crewmembers agree on a common goal – helping people through social service projects and good literature,” said Laura Howard of the advance preparation team already on the island. 
Logos Hope is on its first voyage to Bahrain but follows its sister ships Logos and Doulos, which have visited Bahrain six times since 1971, although the last trip planned two years ago was cancelled because of the unrest. Logos Hope, a much larger vessel, will allow for a wider book selection and more comfortable browsing, its owners say.

As previous ships have received more than 100,000 visitors during their repeated visits to Bahrain, Logos Hope is also expecting to welcome many visitors to the onboard book fair and to cultural events for all ages.

During its recent visit to the Philippines and Cambodia, crewmembers undertook practical aid projects too, including the construction of schools, substantial book donations and free medical and dental clinic services.

Logos Hope offers an expanded selection of more than 5,000 titles at affordable prices, it says, covering a range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies and family life.
 
With children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases and more, the book fair is something the whole family can enjoy, the crew says.

Additionally, the rest of the Visitor Experience Deck is also open for the public to explore. From the Welcome Area, which introduces the new vessel through a short movie and interactive displays, to the International Café, which has ice cream, drinks and snacks for sale, there is sure to be something for everyone, added Laura.

Logos Hope will be at Mina Salman Port from October 23 to November 3. Opening hours are 2pm – 10pm daily. On Wednesday there will be a Ladies-Only Morning from 9am to noon.
 
It is free admission but children under-16 must be accompanied by an adult. CPR identification will be needed for entry at the port.

Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships, an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany. Since 1970, it has welcomed around 42 million visitors up the gangways in 150 countries and territories around the world.