Book lovers will be in for a treat when the world’s largest floating book fair, the Logos Hope, visits Durban following an 8-year absence.
The ship will be docked at the Port of Durban, Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal from Wednesday May 8 to Sunday June 2.
“Visitors to the Logos Hope will be offered an expanded selection of over 5 000 books that cover a wide range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages, and faith at an affordable price. The selection will also boast children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases and more,” said eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the Port of Durban expansion was attracting more cruise liners to the city.
“From November 2023 to date, we have had over 30 cruise ships docking at the recently launched Nelson Mandela Terminal. We are expecting the numbers to grow as approximately seven ships are expected in May.”
And during that period, Durban had welcomed more than 30 000 tourists disembarking from cruise vessels, he said, adding that the average cruise tourist spent R1869 while on shore.
The Logos Hope will be open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11am to 8pm. On Sundays, it will be open from 1pm to 8pm. The ship is closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is R10, but children under 12 and seniors of 60 enter for free.
The book fair will open for school visits from Friday May 24 to Sunday June 2. All visits must be pre-booked. Email [email protected] to schedule school visits in advance.