Medellín will be UNESCO’s World Book Capital in 2027
The Colombian city’s libraries and booksellers helped make the case for the designation.
UNESCO has named Medellín its World Book Capital for 2027. The selection follows a recommendation from an advisory committee representing authors, publishers and booksellers.
The agency highlighted the Colombian city's network of more than 110 bookstores and 25 libraries. It described libraries as places for learning and participation, including some sites repurposed from former prisons or police facilities.
The designation recognizes cities that promote reading and access to books. Medellín's existing network gives local institutions a starting point for bringing literary programmes to young people and communities that have had fewer opportunities to take part.
