Literature

Do you have what it takes to become a UNESCO City of Literature?

• © Trustees of the National Library of Scotland

The following list of criteria and characteristics serves as a guide for cities interested in joining the network as a City of Literature:

• Quality, quantity and diversity of editorial initiatives and publishing houses;
• Quality and quantity of educational programmes focusing on domestic or foreign literature in primary and secondary schools as well as universities;
• Urban environment in which literature, drama and/or poetry play an integral role;
• Experience in hosting literary events and festivals aiming at promoting domestic and foreign literature; 
• Libraries, bookstores and public or private cultural centres dedicated to the preservation, promotion and dissemination of domestic and foreign literature;
• Active effort by the publishing sector to translate literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature;
• Active involvement of media, including new media, in promoting literature and strengthening the market for literary products.

Appointed cities:

• Edinburgh
• Iowa City
• Melbourne

 

Related programmes:

• Books and reading
• World Book Capital City



External links:

• International Pen Club (PEN)
• International Publisher’s Association(IPA)
• International Booksellers Federation(IBF)
• International Federation of Library Associations(IFLA)