Interliber 2025 Kicks Off in Zagreb
The 47th International Book Fair, Interliber 2025, officially opened its doors on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Zagreb Fairgrounds (Zagrebački velesajam) in Croatia. This annual event, recognized as Croatia's premier literary gathering, is set to run until Sunday, November 16, 2025.
The fair brings together a significant number of participants, with more than 360 exhibitors from 15 countries showcasing their latest titles and programs across pavilions 5, 6, 7, and 7a. Entry to the event is free for all visitors.
A Hub for Literature and Knowledge
Organized by ZAGREB FAIR, Ltd., Interliber is more than just a book fair; it serves as a cultural spectacle, a social phenomenon, and a business hub dedicated to the promotion of books, writers, reading, science, and knowledge. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević were among the officials present at the opening ceremony, underscoring the event's importance. Prime Minister Plenković stated that Interliber 'will strengthen Croatian publishing and promote books, authors, reading, science, and knowledge'.
Diverse Program and Special Guests
The 2025 program is extensive, featuring a wide array of activities designed to engage a broad audience. Highlights include:
- Book launches and promotions
- Interactions with national and international literary figures
- Signing sessions and panel discussions
- Workshops and quizzes
- Professional programs for the publishing industry
This year's special guests include Paul Lynch, the winner of the 2023 Booker Prize for his novel 'Prophet Song'. The fair also emphasizes women's voices in literature through the Interliber Book Club 'Do You Read Women?' and offers a vibrant children's program titled 'I'll Tell You a Story – A Fairy Tale in Our Hands'.
Promoting a Culture of Reading
Interliber plays a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and strengthening Croatia's cultural identity. Deputy Mayor Luka Korlaet emphasized Interliber's mission 'to inspire that connection' between readers and books, noting that 'reading a book means stopping, dedicating time, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us'. The fair is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors, making it a significant platform for business networking and presenting new releases to an audience that values quality literature.
6 Comments
Muchacho
The emphasis on fostering a love for reading is commendable, and the diverse program sounds great. However, I hope it also provides significant opportunities for smaller, independent authors and publishers, not just the mainstream ones.
ZmeeLove
While it's wonderful to see such a large event promoting literature and offering free entry, I often find the sheer number of visitors makes it difficult to have a truly relaxed browsing experience.
Habibi
The variety of workshops and children's programs is an excellent way to engage new audiences. However, sometimes these large fairs can feel overly commercialized, potentially overshadowing the pure joy of discovering new literature.
Bermudez
Paul Lynch is a huge draw! This fair just keeps getting better.
Mariposa
This is exactly what our culture needs. Promoting reading is vital!
Bella Ciao
Just another commercial event. It's too crowded to actually enjoy books.