At one time as many as 100 book vendors worked in the streets at the base of the mosque.

The only other people there were a security guard and a book vendor with no customers.

The user will then be guided to find books in local libraries or to purchase them from publishers and book vendors.

It was not an easy day or location for the event, with the threat of rain over uncovered book vendors' stalls.

Nevertheless, the Mayor's office has asked the city law department to draft a new ordinance and to consider licensing the book vendors.

The festival consists of book vendors, poetry readings, children's activities, art exhibitions, and concerts in the evenings.

"They all have to go," said Sophie Simonet, a book vendor.

The rules with regard to book vendors are different because of their additional First Amendment protection.

"We have an arm's length relationship with them," he said, adding that Follett must submit bids just as other private book vendors do.

One of his predictions is that book vendors would quickly return.