4th Edition of Leer León Fair Suspended Amid Financial Challenges
The much-anticipated 4th edition of the Leer León International Book Fair, originally scheduled for May 2010, has been postponed indefinitely. This decision, reached unanimously by the Board of Trustees of the Fundación del Libro Infantil y Juvenil Leer León, comes as a result of significant financial challenges, including accumulated debt and reduced subsidies.
Financial Struggles Force Postponement
The Leer León Foundation faces a debt of 600,000 euros, largely stemming from the management of the 2006 and 2007 editions of the fair. Nuria Prieto Bajo, the foundation’s newly appointed manager, explained that this financial burden, combined with reduced institutional subsidies, left no choice but to suspend the event.
Key reasons for the suspension:
- Outstanding debts from previous fairs.
- Decreased financial support from government and cultural institutions.
- A need to prioritize financial stability over new initiatives.
“These austerity measures are necessary to avoid further financial instability and to ensure the foundation’s long-term viability,” Prieto emphasized.
Alternative Activities Planned
Despite the suspension of the main fair, the Fundación Leer León plans to continue its work in promoting children’s and young adult literature. Throughout the year, the foundation will organize smaller-scale activities aligned with the León Book Fair and other literary events. These initiatives aim to maintain the foundation’s mission of fostering a love for reading among young audiences.
Upcoming events will include:
- Workshops and storytelling sessions for children and young adults.
- Author meet-and-greet events in collaboration with local schools.
- Book exhibitions in coordination with libraries and cultural centers.
These activities aim to preserve the spirit of Leer León while addressing the financial constraints facing the foundation.
Next Steps for the Leer León Foundation
During a recent meeting, the foundation’s Board of Trustees decided to prioritize debt resolution before committing to future fairs. Representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, the Junta de Castilla y León, and the City Council, will present proposals to manage the foundation’s financial obligations at a follow-up meeting scheduled before Easter.
Prieto explained that the subsidies provided by supporting institutions are designated for current-year activities and cannot be used to offset previous debts. “Our focus is on resolving the existing financial arrears to avoid entering a cycle of unsustainable debt,” she stated. By focusing on smaller, community-driven events and working toward financial stability, the Fundación Leer León aims to return stronger in the future, continuing its vital work in promoting literacy and literature for young audiences.