Despite rising printing costs... Libraries in Qamishlo maintain book prices

In light of rising living costs and declining purchasing power, books face a challenge in maintaining their place within readers' interests and cultural needs, especially with the increasing costs of their production, printing, and distribution.

In the city of Qamishlo in the Jazira region, the books displayed in the Shler and Amara libraries vary between novels, poetry collections, memoirs, theater, politics, and history, in addition to children's books, Turkish books, and works by international authors.

Prices of Kurdish and Arabic books

The prices of Kurdish and Arabic books published by Amara Library and Shler Publishing House start from one dollar and reach up to 25 dollars for some books and volumes, while the price of some sets consisting of four books is around 100 dollars, depending on the nature and specifications of the publication.

The prices of children's stories vary, ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 or 60,000 Syrian pounds in the old currency, while some can reach 15 dollars, depending on the book and the quality of the edition. The prices of dictionaries can reach 20 dollars.

Book prices in Damascus

While the prices of books and novels in Damascus in 2026 start from 15,000, the prices increase according to the content, quality, and publishing house of the book, whereas cheaper options are available in the markets for used and old books.

Book prices in Southern Kurdistan and Iraq

According to data obtained by ANHA agency from various sources for the year 2026, the prices of novels and regular paper books in Southern Kurdistan and Iraq range between 7,000 and 15,000 Iraqi dinars (i.e., 5 to 10 dollars), with price differences depending on the type of book, the publishing house, and its language, whether Kurdish, Arabic, or English, as well as the nature of the edition, whether local or imported.

The prices of many Arabic and translated novels and literary books available in local stores and Iraqi distribution platforms start from around 7,000 Iraqi dinars.

As for books published by private or foreign publishing houses, their prices vary according to production and shipping costs. Annual local and international book fairs are held, including the Hewler International Book Fair and Kurdish book fairs, offering discounts and varying prices to suit different categories of readers.

Book prices in some Arab countries

In Egypt, the prices of novels and modern books in major bookstores during the Cairo International Book Fair range between 150 and 500 Egyptian pounds, which is equivalent to about 3 to 10 US dollars. Additionally, popular editions supported by government agencies are available, along with books in the Azbakeya Wall, with prices starting from 10 pounds and reaching up to 50 pounds.

In Lebanon, book prices range between 4 and 20 dollars, amid efforts by industry professionals to maintain the reading audience and expand the available options.

As for Saudi Arabia, the prices of Arabic books in major bookstores range between 40 and 120 Saudi riyals, which is equivalent to about 11 to 32 dollars, while the average prices of regular paper books in the United Arab Emirates range between 45 and 175 dirhams, which is equivalent to about 12 to 48 dollars.

Book prices in European countries

The prices of novels and general books in European countries in 2026 range between 10 and 25 euros, with laws implemented to stabilize book prices in several countries, such as Germany, France, and Spain.

Factors that determine book prices

The library staff in Qamishlo explain that book prices are not solely related to their content, but are influenced by various technical and production factors, including the publishing house, the type and color of the paper, the size and weight of the book, the printing method, and the quality of the binding, whether it is paper or cardboard, in addition to the number of pages and the nature of the layout.

They pointed out that the prices of imported books differ from the prices of locally printed books due to customs duties and high transportation costs.

Books sold below their cost.

The library officials confirm that the goal of the cultural libraries in Qamishlo is to promote and encourage a reading culture. Therefore, the books published in the city and the imported books are sold at prices below their cost, taking into account the economic conditions the residents are experiencing, and trying to keep the books within the reach of the readers.

In light of rising production costs, the region is witnessing an increase in the costs of paper, printing, binding, and transportation, coinciding with the decision to raise fuel prices by the Syrian transitional government and the difficulties associated with importation and customs duties. These factors increase the burdens on the publishing sector and readers, and limit purchasing power, amidst a trend of some readers shifting to electronic reading.

Despite these challenges, the librarians in the city confirm that book prices are lower than last year's prices, aiming to enable as many readers as possible to purchase them.

ANHA