Book lovers, it's time to stock up on your collection of latest titles and bestsellers. Just head to the 22nd edition of Patna Book Fair at Gandhi Maidan on December 4.

"Our focus this year would be on young minds. We would try to attract young readers to the fair and share innovative ideas with them. We are trying to inculcate the reading culture in them," said Ratneshwar, the convener of the fair.

Entry for students would be free. College students must show their institute's identity cards, except for Sundays and public holidays. The fair will stay open from 12noon to 8pm on weekdays and 11am to 9pm on weekends.

The Centre for Readership Development is a voluntary association of technocrats, social scientists, journalists and writers, which has been organising the fair since 1985. It has taken up the challenge of empowering the common man through books.

The fair would have a wide variety of books ranging from fiction, non-fiction, reference books, law to social sciences and biopics of national and international authors among others. The publishers, who have confirmed their participation, include Harper Collins, Oxford University Publications, Prabhat Prakashan, Vani Prakashan, Bharatiya Jnanpith, Rajpal and Sons, Rajkamal Prakashan Group, Prakashan Sansthan, Pearson India and McGraw-Hill Companies.

Introducing a new arena to the fair's cultural programme, Srijan Bihar would feature the natives of Bihar from across the globe contributing to the creation and composition of the state.

The three-day programme will feature ABP Group editor Shazi Zaman, CEO Star Uday Shankar and India TV managing editor Ajit Anjum.

The programme would focus on various fields, including literature, journalism and art and culture.

Nayi Sadi Ki Kavitayi (new-age poetry), a new cultural programme introduced this year, would focus on young poets from across the country, including Sanjay Kundan from New Delhi, Smita Parekh from Mumbai and Anuj Lagun from Gaya, would introduce the culture of poetry to the youth of the state.

"Nayi Sadi ki Kavitayi would be a part of Jan Samvad. We have tried to cater to each and every age group of readers. In Jan Samvad, we would have discussions on vast topics, including literature, news, journalism and culture," added Ratneshwar.