Ljubljana - World Book Capital

For a year between 23 April 2010 and 23 April 2011, Ljubljana will be the tenth city to hold the prestigious World Book Capital title, awarded by UNESCO.

In the year marked by books, literature, intercultural dialogue and the culture of reading, Ljubljana will host a rich and varied programme of events related to books. Those particularly worth mentioning include the Literatures of the World Continents literary festival, participated by authors from all continents, and the world congress entitled Books as Promoters of Human Development, which will bring together renowned experts and researchers from around the world.

According to UNESCO's World Book Capital selection committee, Ljubljana has been awarded the title "for the quality of its application as well as for its diverse and complete programme, widely and enthusiastically supported by all players involved in the book industry (publishers, bookstores and libraries)."

UNESCO's director-general, Koïchiro Matsuura, said in his statement that he was delighted "to see this magnificent city acknowledged for its collective commitment to promote books and reading in a context of freedom of expression and cultural openness”.