THE ANNUAL free Liverpool Book Art fair is back for its fourth year.

Taking residence at the refurbished Liverpool Central Library, the event returns on 8 and 9 July.

Fresh from the successful Shakespeare-themed exhibition last year the fair will showcase the work of more than 50 artists and half of them will be participating for the first time.

The works available demonstrate the huge range of materials and subjects artists use to create their books.

There will be books made with hand-made paper, glass and clay, fabric and felt and recycled objects.

Book topics include fairy tales, poetry, emotions & memory, feminism and historical figures.

There will even be a library rave with hand-held disco lights.

Liverpool Book Art Fair founder Simon Ryder said: "I’ve been collecting artists’ books for a number of years.

"Once people get the chance to see what they are, they get captivated by them.

"But not enough people know about artists’ books, as there are few opportunities to see them.

"By putting on the Liverpool Fair over the last four years we've tried to expand the range and numbers of people aware of and involved in the art.

"The response from artists to help me mark Shakespeare’s anniversary with an exhibition last year was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

"This year the fair presents a rare opportunity to meet artists who make book art and to buy directly from them."

In addition to the Fair, there will be demonstrations, workshops for adults and children, talks and performances.

The event runs from 10am to 5pm on July 8 and 10.30am to 4.30pm on July 9.

For more information visit liverpoolbookart.com