The cost of text books has gone up between 5 and 15 percent.

Chairman of the Book Industry Association of Jamaica, Nigel Walker says manufacturers- some overseas, are facing increased input costs or limited supplies.

However apart from the increased costs, parents are finding that some books are just not available.

With the start of the new academic year just a week away, many parents have been rushing to complete preparations for their children’s return to the classroom.

But even as they try to get school supplies, some are expressing frustration as some books are just not available and they are also facing increased costs.

One St. James parent Christopher Hylton says he has spent 25 thousand dollars so far and only has half the books on the book list. His son is starting grade 7 in September.

Chair of the BIAJ Nigel Walker highlights several reasons for the increased text book prices, which have gone up between 5 and 15 percent for the most part.

While some parents are trying to get all their children’s books, others are buying the books according to how the schools will use them.

Book stores are filled with customers and in some instances, lines extend outside the stores.

This for many, is an improvement in business as they were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns for the start of the academic year in 2020 and 2021.

Meantime one book shop operator says some times they get fewer books than ordered or none at all.

Irie Fm News understands that the affected books include literature books for high schools and books for infants.

Sasha Elliot of Elliot’s Book and Stationery Supplies in Portland, says this year is different from other years.

Meantime Mr. Walker shares that the books that are now out of stock should be available by the first week of September.