The title of UNESCO World Book Capital 2022 will fall to Guadalajara, Mexico. From 23 April 2022, the city will host a year-long programme of events celebrating books, reading and libraries.

The World Book Capital programme provides an opportunity for cities around the world both to profile their own literary heritage and production on the international stage, and to bring forward the writers and readers of the future.

The winner of the title for 2020 – selected by the UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, on the recommendation of an advisory committee including UNESCO, IFLA, the International Publishers Association and the International Authors’ Federation – is Guadalajara, Mexico.

Among the strengths of the city’s bid were its plans to work with and through books in order to promote inclusion and peace.

The overall plans include efforts to reclaim public spaces through reading activities, reading for social bonding, and using storytelling to reinforce neighbourhood pride. There is an emphasis both on ensuring that books are accessible for all, and on their role in promoting positive social change.

Libraries will be a key part of delivery, alongside bookshops, reading rooms, publishers and the city’s successful bookfair.

IFLA Secretary General Gerald Leitner said:

It’s great that Guadalajara will be UNESO World Book Capital 2022, and I am sure that libraries there, and across the country, will contribute to making it an amazing year. I strongly welcome the focus on books as drivers of positive social change, something that lies at the heart of the work of libraries globally

IFLA looks forwards to working with its Members in Guadalajara and Mexico in general to ensure that libraries participate fully in achieving the goals of the year.

Find our more about the World Book Capital programme.