It was the first library to invent a bibliographic system. Although it was destroyed several times, the government of Egypt built a new Alexandria Library. In 2002, the Egyptian city reopened its library and presented the new library the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This project was one of the main reasons Alexandria was selected as WBC, as it encouraged people to have an interest in reading. New Delhi 2003 New Delhi is home to the largest number of publishers in India. It launched a programme to promote publishing linked to all professional associations and political and social actors concerned with books, including government services. Various activities were organised throughout the year, including establishments of book kiosks, libraries and a permanent book pavilion at Pragati Maidan. An emphasis was given to promoting literary habits among children. Other events were the Delhi Book Fair in August 2003, the two-day National Convention on “Making India a Book Reading Society” and the Children’s Book Exhibition at various prominent schools in New Delhi. Antwerp 2004 Theme: ABC 2004 The city of Antwerp was selected as World Book Capital for 2004. The chosen theme ABC 2004, evolved to XYZ 2005 in the second part of its programme where four exhibitions were devoted to the written heritage of the city. With a budget of 1.7 million euros, several literary projects took place throughout the year including word festivals, theatre street performances, public readings, celebrations of authors, letter-writing contests by mobile phone, publishing of books in collaboration with artists, exhibitions as well as free distribution of blank notebooks to encourage writing. Poems were printed on the wrappers of bread and were made available to the public. In the main hall of DeSingel, Antwerp’s international art and cultural centre, a metal cube was installed which housed a library. Montreal 2005 Theme: The Gathering Power of Books Montreal World Book Capital 2005 (MWBC) goal was to “underline the gathering power of books”. The main objectives of MWBC 2005 were to increase reading habits especially among young people, encourage creative writing, stimulate the book industry and strengthen Montreal’s position as an international cultural city. The activities were developed under the themes of books and reading, creativity, education and learning, remembrance and heritage, culture, celebration, and festivals. Authors including Marie Laberge, Réjean Ducharme, Yann Martel, Mordecai Richler, Michel Tremblay had their books highlighted during the year. Turin 2006 Theme: Il Linguaggio dei Segni Turin