February 17 became the opening day of ХІ Minsk International Book Exhibition Books of Belarus - 2004, where took part publishing houses of Belarus, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine etc.

It is for the first time that Belarusian and Russian Catholic publishing houses took part in the exhibition. Public attention was drawn by Pro Christo stand, which presented books, calendars, placards of spiritual character that had been published for 4 years of Pro Christo existence. During the exhibition work the publishing house organized interesting shows, new book presentations, meetings with editors and authors.

There was the possibility to get the autograph of Janka Bryl, Belarusian literature classic, on his new book Blue Candle that had appeared shortly before the exhibition. There was also artist Igar Gardzyonak, who had been presenting the new book Angels' Quarrel by Belarusian writer Irina Zharnasek.

A separate place of the stand was occupied by periodicals of the archdiocese of Minsk-Mohilev that were prepared by the publishing house Pro Christo as well: magazines Our Faith, Ave Maria, Little Knight of the Immaculate and informational bulletin Catholic News.

The stand of Russian Catholic publishing house Paoline was also very popular among visitors. Unfortunately, unlike last year, representatives of Orthodox publishing houses were not present at the exhibition.