We explore the role of books, reading and bookshops at our festivals. Is there still space, still a desire, for the written word at festivals? Chareldine van der Merwe (ATKV: Vriende van Afrikaans) leads a conversation with Nita Cronjé (ATKV representative at arts festivals), Diana Ferrus (acclaimed poet and storyteller), Melt Myburgh (poet and former publisher) and Eben Pienaar (advertising manager at NB Publishers).