(19 September 2017) Every year, a new world city is named UNESCO World Book Capital. This honour is an opportunity both to celebrate local writing and culture, but also to promote reading and a love of books among residents and visitors. IFLA has a key role in advising UNESCO on the choice, alongside the International Publishers Association.
The current holder of the title of World Book Capital is Athens, where IFLA held its 2017 President’s Meeting. Wroclaw, the venue of this year’s World Library and Information Congress, held it the year before. Both cities have shown their commitment to libraries as essential actors in helping everyone to learn and love to read.
The call for candidates for World Book Capital 2020 is now open. IFLA welcomes responses from cities which show how a rich cultural life can promote strong and sustainable communities, demonstrate a strong understanding of the role of libraries, and a vision for how their contribution can be further strengthened and recognised. We encourage our members to work with local authorities to develop the strongest possible bids.
For more information on how to apply, please see the World Book Capital website.
The announcement is here.
