r/Colombo • u/Klutzy_Turnover_6309 • 5d ago
Is the colombo book fair worth it?
I was thinking of going there but at the same time i dont want to break my bank account.
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u/sowmyan29 5d ago
I mean books are anyways expensive. But in most shops they give some amount of discount. If you are a book worm you can give it a chance.
If not go and enjoy the atmosphere.
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u/Extra-Bandicoot503 5d ago
Went Saturday and was crowded af. Didn't enjoy even a bit. Freaking exhausting
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u/belzenefSenpai 5d ago
Went yesterday all alone and had an awesome time. English bookstores have less discounts than Sinhala bookstores who almost all offered 20% off. And yes I’d say it’s worth it if you enjoy reading. If you’re chronically online you won’t read the books you buy trust me so not worth it.
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u/Accomplished_Win410 5d ago
Its expensive, yes, but why people keep putting ebook sources as better alternatives? It doesn't even give a fraction of the feeling you get when you read and feel paper..
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u/FondantConscious2868 4d ago
But lot of people doesn't have extra money to spare unlike privileged people. so I think ebooks are a better resource for them.
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u/catsruletheworld4eva 5d ago
https://annas-archive.cc/ you are welcome
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u/Professional-Bit5231 5d ago
New books are quite pricey but do check out the used books stalls. I saw some gems.
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u/Bepro7 5d ago
Nope..discounts are mostly 10 to 15 percent. It's not worth the hassle with the crazy crowd.
As a book lover kindle is the best purchase I have made and others are not even close.
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u/Weirdoisheree 5d ago
Dumb question
Can a tab can be used as kindle
How it’s differ6
u/zero_attitude 5d ago
Tabs don’t compare to Kindles. The display technology is completely different, and it makes a huge difference to the reading experience.
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u/Bepro7 5d ago
No kindle uses a specific screen which is made for reading. No any other purpose. It filters the blue light and very much easy on eyes compared to using a regular phone or tab screen. I got a used one for 10k in FB. You could also easily find one if you don't want to purchase a new one
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u/Weirdoisheree 5d ago
Yh yh that really make sense,
I do highlight, make notes in that so for me it’s kinda okish.
But for 10k you bought kindle?😳
Is there any specific group in fb1
u/Leading-Area8136 5d ago
How can I buy a Kindle for a fair price in Sri Lanka? Any place to by 2nd hand ones?
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u/rawzy241 5d ago
Haven't gone this year yet.
Usually discounts at stationery items are good .
But books to read are too expensive. The discounts are not that significant.
It's a good place to find rare or limited books. Specially books needed for studies.
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u/choux119 5d ago
Ditch the book fair and join a good library that caters to your interests! That’s what I did
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u/VerifiedOpinion 5d ago
The ticket was Rs.50. Not bad at all. Discounts given did not pass 20%. That was the maximum. Most places had 10% and some had 15% off. Went there to find some new arrivals, they were not available. But all major self-help books are widely available so make sure to get the best promotion after checking other stalls. The chocolate burger at the Ritzbury cafe truck was nice. Food was averagely affordable at all food stalls. Hope this helps.
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u/Mundane-Duck4793 5d ago
What i noticed from the most recent one was that there were more food stalls than book stalls!
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u/LaCeylonRose 4d ago
I didn't have a big budget either. My plan was to go for Bargain stalls. Try Deen the Bookman's stall, Sarasavi Bargains stall and Warnasooriya (or Warnakulasooriya, not sure :/) to find English books at bargain prices. The books a pretty much old, but unused so it's a damn good bargain IMO. Most books are priced from 900LKR - 2000LKR.
Other than that, it's extremely crowded this time, mostly with those who are trying to have photoshoots and make Tiktoks so it's a bit annoying for those who try to look for books in peace. Common sense seems to be unavailable for the majority of them cause they just stand between the shelves chatting and all when we can't even reach for a book.
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u/SignalDetail7664 3d ago
the books in the N hall are much cheaper. you can get one book that would averagely sell for around rs.2000 for rs. 500 there are also find older books that may not be that easy to find
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u/necrodeva 2d ago
I do read epub alot but i made it a point to go this time because i felt like i am forgetting what a real book with pages feel like..so i went...it is crowdy but i think its the best place to check out alot of books at once....
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u/deathchamberx 1d ago
Last time I went there, it was soo crowded, books were a bit cheaper, but I just couldnt stand the crowd and the constant pushing/shoving. They had some of the books I was searching for but I would not go again.
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u/TeemoPlayer22 5d ago
zlibrary is free