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In 2010, the eightieth edition of the Feira do Livro, a great open air book fair in Lisbon, will take place again in the Parque Eduardo VII from 29th April to 16th May. Opening hours are from 12:30 to 23:30 on weekdays and from 11:00 to 23:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. It's bound to be a sunny and lively festival because participating bookstores and libraries will organize street sales with great discounts, autograph sessions, book launches and entertainment for children, and from 21.30 to 22.15, there will be live music every weekday.

The main objective of the Book Fair is to encourage young people to read more. That's why APEL, the organisation behind the event, has decided that this year the Feira do Livro shouldn't coincide with the Portuguese holiday period, so that school groups can participate in activities of the fair. This will probably increase the number of visitors even further. In order to attract the attention of a younger audiende, the organisation has also decided to explore social networks. Already 7,300 Facebook users have indicated that they like the event, and Feiro do Livro has about 1,150 followers on Twitter.

It's a unique holiday experience to go to this book fair and bring your new books to one of the beaches near Lisbon afterwards. But booklovers who are not in the opportunity to make it to the capital before 16th May can still book flights to Portugal, because from the 27th May to 13th June, the lovely city Porto will also host a grand book fair. This city is also home to Livraria Lello, according to the Guardian one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.