More Than Just Books: Thoughtful Gestures at IKBF 2026

🖊️Dayeeta Chowdhury

The International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) 2026 continues to reaffirm its reputation as more than a marketplace for books—it is a celebration of readers, stories, and meaningful connections between publishers and their audiences. Beyond the towering shelves and eager crowds, this year’s fair has introduced small yet thoughtful gestures that have left a lasting impression on visitors.

Several publishing houses have chosen to express their gratitude through carefully curated keepsakes offered with book purchases. Renowned international publishers Bloomsbury and Woodpecker have delighted readers by providing aesthetically designed bookmarks with every purchase. These bookmarks, though simple, reflect the enduring bond between a reader and a book—serving as quiet companions that travel through pages long after the fair concludes.

Indian publishing giant Ananda Publishers has added a practical yet charming touch to the experience. With purchases worth ₹1000 or more, readers receive exclusive fridge magnets, transforming literary engagement into a part of everyday domestic life. The gesture subtly reinforces how books, much like memories, deserve a permanent place in one’s home.

Meanwhile, the Shobdokotha stall has caught the attention of young readers and bibliophiles alike by offering tote bags with every book purchase. In an era increasingly conscious of sustainability, these reusable tote bags function as both a utility item and a statement—encouraging eco-friendly practices while proudly carrying literature beyond the fairgrounds.

While these additions may appear modest, they significantly enhance the reader’s experience. They reflect a shift in how publishers perceive their relationship with audiences—not merely as consumers, but as participants in a shared literary culture. Such gestures of appreciation elevate the act of buying a book into a memorable exchange.

At IKBF 2026, books remain at the heart of the celebration. Yet, it is these thoughtful tokens of gratitude that remind visitors why the fair holds a special place in Kolkata’s cultural calendar—where stories are not only read, but remembered.