The Youth Book and Press Fair in Seine-Saint-Denis, a free and Europe's most attended event, will take place in Montreuil from November 25 to 30. This 42nd edition's theme is 'At the Frontiers of Reality'. The event, co-produced by the Department, annually brings together professionals and enthusiasts of youth literature.
Succeeding Sylvie Vassallo, who directed the fair for 26 years, Nils C. Ahl now takes the helm. He describes his role as that of an 'oil can,' aiming to lubricate the workings of this institution. His sensibilities, shaped by international experiences in social action and humanitarian work, translate into a strong interest in global issues, diverse creative forms, and equal access to reading.
'Youth literature is an entry point not only to reading but also to beauty, citizenship, and understanding how language is organized in all its forms,' explains Nils Ahl. He emphasizes that language, beyond words, also encompasses forms and colors, aspects particularly present in youth literature.
Regarding the fair's local anchoring in Seine-Saint-Denis, Nils Ahl believes the world is already present in the department due to the diversity of its populations and citizen organizations. He sees this richness as a fabulous opportunity, drawing from his personal experience in a family with mixed religious, linguistic, cultural, and national backgrounds. The fair thus aims to multiply 'secret passages' between the local and the international through its diverse publishing offerings and hosted foreign delegations.
He also highlights the strong support for culture and reading from the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, calling the territory a 'formidable laboratory for cultural public policies.' These mediation actions, made possible by the policies implemented and the local environment, could, in his view, be replicated far beyond Seine-Saint-Denis.
To navigate this complex structure, Nils Ahl relies on the fair's teams. He praises the deep knowledge of the staff, many of whom have been there for at least a decade, and the steering committee established by his predecessor, Sylvie Vassallo, as his best compass.
The 42nd Youth Book and Press Fair will be held at Paris Montreuil Expo, 128, rue de Paris in Montreuil. Entry is free, but a ticket is mandatory for all visitors, adults and children. Reservations and downloads are available at slpj.fr. The Fair is co-produced by the Conseil départemental de la Seine-Saint-Denis.
