Floating book fair draws massive crowds

Crowds of families streamed into the Logos Hope floating book fair, just as others exited, arms loaded with books and children clutching snacks from the ship's cafe--all with bright faces, thrilled to be part of the experience.

"There is something special about seeing young people excited about books in this digital age," said Robert Drummond, who brought his teenage cousins to tour Kingston with the book ship as a highlight.

"It really contradicts that tired narrative that Jamaicans don't like to read or that we're not interested in reading," he said.

The Logos Hope--docked at the Cement Company Coal Pier in Rockfort, east Kingston, has become a buzzing hub of learning, laughter, and cultural exchange. The designated parking area was filled to capacity, forcing vehicles to be rerouted--a clear sign of how eager the public was to take part in the rare, floating literary experience.

For Kingston resident Anneica Betton, the visit marked a long-awaited return.

"Well, it's really exciting," she said, standing beside her children Ava and Avia, son Amir, and partner Andrew Henry. "I've been telling them about it from this morning and they wanted to come out. So they actually have taken up a lot of books--mostly reading books and activity books."

Betton, like many parents, came prepared, knowing the ship's collection wouldn't include textbooks but rather storybooks, Bibles, colouring books, and more.

"It's nice to just let them explore and enjoy something new," she said.

That sentiment was echoed by Drummond.

"I brought my cousins, they're 13 and 14, to tour Kingston, and one of our stops was the Logos Hope book ship. I wanted them to have the experience, and honestly, it turned out to be a highlight."

For others, the visit was a dream come true. Annette Grey journeyed from St Elizabeth with her four children, determined to finally experience what she missed as a child.

"It was a long drive, but it was definitely worth it because we are going home with a library!" she laughed.

Grey also praised the ship's affordability.

"Books that you would see elsewhere for $6,000, you get here for $2,000. I also find that the children's storybooks are cheaper."

The Logos Hope experience spans nine decks, though only one is dedicated to the bustling book fair. The ship also features an international cafe serving popcorn, finger foods, and drinks, along with areas for children's games, photo opportunities, and cultural showcases.

Media Relations Officer Ricky Roy, who hails from India, explained why Jamaica continues to be a cherished destination for the ship.

"We always love coming back to Jamaica. The last visit in 2022 saw nearly 100,000 people walk up our gangways. Jamaica has always been special."

This year marks the Logos Hope's 10th or so visit to Jamaica out of about 20 total visits made by ships operated by the organisation.

"Every chance we get to come back, we take it. The most sold book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. But we also have cookery books, leadership books, life books--something for every age group and interest," Roy explained.

The ship is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., but closed on Mondays. Entry is $500 for adults, but free for children under 12 and seniors over 65.

Logos Hope will be in Montego Bay from August 21 for another month.

"This isn't just a ship full of books. It's a place where cultures meet, families bond, and learning is celebrated. And we hope every Jamaican who comes aboard leaves with a little more knowledge, a little more hope, and a whole lot of joy," Roy said.