Who is bothered by books? A panel discussion in support of the local bookseller Boba, at the invitation of students and professors from Sombor

27 Oct Who is bothered by books? A panel discussion in support of the local bookseller Boba, at the invitation of students and professors from Sombor

We invite you to join us on Tuesday, October 28th, from 3 PM at the square in front of the Faculty of Education in Sombor, where the Book Bazaar and the panel discussion “Culture vs. Unculture” will be held, featuring:

• Milena Berić, Association KROKODIL • Nikola Lekić, writer • Slobodan Stepanović • Karla Selihar, moderator

With this event, we support our fellow citizen Slobodan Stepanović and his right to free business operations.

Who is bothered by books?

In recent days in Sombor, protests were held in support of our fellow citizen Slobodan Stepanović and the Association for the Preservation of Cultural and Historical Heritage and Publishing Norma from Sombor, who, after more than a decade, were denied the possibility of further selling books at stalls in Zmaj Jovina Street by decision of Chief Helena Roksandić Musulin.

Boba has been selling books at this location for a full decade and has regularly renewed the request for the occupation of the public space. Without explanation after so much time, for the first time, he received a “notification” from the city Department for Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and Construction rejecting his request. He assumes this is due to his active participation in protests and the Citizens’ Assembly of Sombor.

According to a document signed by Helena Roksandić Musulin, the head of the mentioned department, after reviewing photos taken by an official person, it was determined that the movable stalls in question disrupt the architectural, historical, and environmental value of the surrounding buildings and space and devastate the architectural-urban layout, and that the conditions for creating a situational plan have not been met.

Boba announced that he will file an appeal against the decision of the relevant city administration department today.

BOOK BAZAAR

Under the slogan “Books, not bells and whistles,” tomorrow we will collect books and donations to support Slobodan’s ongoing work.

Visitors can donate books for sale, purchase something from Slobodan’s stall, or give financial support in solidarity to help him continue his business operations.

Your presence and support mean a lot!