Since 2015, residents of Lagos and visitors have enjoyed a unique event in the region: the Used Book Fair. Organized by Livros da Ria Formosa and the Grupo de Amigos de Lagos, with the support of the São Gonçalo Parish Council, this event attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 people over its 14-day duration, starting on August 17 and ending on August 31. The fair will be held at the Armazém Regimental de Lagos, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, with free admission.
From casual passersby seeking a beach read to bibliophile enthusiasts from various parts of the region, the fair offers a range of benefits recognized by the Municipality of Lagos. These include the promotion of reading, access to affordable books, availability of out-of-print and rare bibliographic items, and the practice of the principle of reuse.
Observing similar efforts in other municipalities in Portugal and Europe to keep bookstores and second-hand book dealers active despite real estate pressures, the Municipality of Lagos has adopted best practices. Since 2009, it has supported used book events, including a collectibles fair at the former Town Hall. The Used Book Fair now fills the need for a dedicated space for second-hand books in the city center, helping to keep the tradition of second-hand books alive in Lagos.
The goal of this fair is clear and long recognized by the Municipality of Lagos: to promote reading habits, still much needed, and to provide the opportunity to purchase books at an affordable cost (the average book price in Portugal is €14.21). Additionally, it offers the chance to find out-of-print books and some bibliographic rarities, and promotes the 3 Rs of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”
