World's largest book ship in Colombo soon

Logos Hope, the world's largest floating book fair, will soon bring its international crew to Sri Lanka. The ship will be open to the public from Friday to buy books and meet crew members.

The ship's 400 crew members are volunteers from over 50 countries, leaving families, jobs, and the security of their homes. The crew offers a rare example of unity in cultural diversity.

Some come with qualifications to fill specific roles such as engineering officers, plumbers, carpenters, book-keepers, cooks and other professions. Many young people come with no qualifications except a willingness to serve. Although they have different backgrounds, the crew members agree on a common goal: helping people through social service projects and good literature.

During Logos Hope's recent visit to Philippines and Cambodia, crew members undertook many practical aid projects, including construction of schools, substantial book donations, and free medical and dental services.

Logos Hope offers an expanded selection of over 5,000 titles at affordable prices. They cover a range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, and family life. With children's titles, academic texts, dictionaries and atlases, the book fair is something the whole family can enjoy.

The rest of the Visitor Experience deck is also open for the public to explore.

From the Welcome Area, which introduces the new vessel through a short movie and interactive displays, to the International Café, which has ice cream, drinks and snacks for sale, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Logos Hope will be in the Port of Colombo from August 30 to September 22.

Opening hours: from August 30 to September 12: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday and from 2 pm to 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.

From September 13 to 21 it will be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Admission is by ticket. Children under 12 have free admission but must be accompanied by an adult.

Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V., an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany. Since 1970 the organisation has welcomed over 42 million visitors in over 150 countries and territories.