Looking back at the Malta Book Festival 2025

Last month, UM made its second consecutive appearance at the Malta Book Festival, represented by Malta University Press (MUP), THINK Magazine, and Malta University Distributors (MUDis). 

Held at the MFCC, Ta’ Qali, from 5–9 November, this edition of the Book Festival accommodated over 40 exhibitors and attracted a record number of visitors. The theme, Writing Anew, captured the spirit of change and transformation, represented by the diversity of publication genres and a number of literary activities suited for all audiences.

At the UM stand, visitors were treated to the latest issue of THINK and could purchase a range of academic books from MUP and MUDis. Archbishop of Malta, Mons. Charles Jude Scicluna, was one of the stand’s most illustrious visitors and was presented with a copy of THINK as well as one of MUP’s legacy publications.

Amongst the publications for sale, visitors had the opportunity to buy a copy of “So We Can Do Our Best”: Care in children’s relationships with teachers, the National Book Prize Winner in the Research Category (read more). MUP doubled last year's revenue, and THINK once again distributed over 1000 copies of Issue 48: Voices, introducing the general public to the research carried out at UM. THINK and MUP also hosted two events: THINK Soapbox and MUP’s Between the Covers. These events offered attendees the opportunity to connect with UM’s academics and researchers, as well as MUP’s authors.

Another highlight was the launch of the second chapbook in the Kekko the Kitteen series, titled ‘New Friendships at the Old Humanities’. As part of the series’ ongoing promotion, Krista Bonnici, one of the co-authors, was invited to read the first chapbook to the young audience gathered at the National Literacy Agency stand on 8 November. Copies of Kekko the Kitteen Chapbooks 1 and 2 will be available for sale during Christmas on Campus, and from all local distributors in the coming weeks. To purchase your own copy, contact rebekah.zammit@um.edu.mt.