The upcoming edition of the Leipzig Book Fair will focus on strengthening the relationship between readers and creators under the motto "Where Stories Connect Us." The event's management presented an ambitious program that includes an innovative reading marathon, numerous literary debuts, and a wide-ranging city festival. This year, the organizers are abandoning the guest country formula in favor of consolidating the European literary community and facilitating direct meetings with authors.

New Guiding Motto

The motto "Where Stories Connect Us" is meant to emphasize the role of literature as a factor building social unity and a reading community in Europe.

Exceptional Literary Marathon

For 18 hours non-stop, the novel "Unterleuten" by Juli Zeh will be read aloud with the participation of the author, politicians, and fair guests.

No Guest Country

Unlike in previous years, the Leipzig Book Fair is forgoing the distinction of one country, focusing on diversity and interpersonal meetings.

This year's Leipzig Book Fair (Leipziger Buchmesse) places particular emphasis on integration and a sense of unity among literature lovers. Astrid Böhmisch, the event's director, stressed that the main goal of the fair is to create a space for authentic encounters. Under the motto "Where Stories Connect Us," the fair aspires to be a great forum for the exchange of ideas, not just a commercial exhibition of publications. The program includes a series of novelties, such as special stages for debutants, designed to help new voices reach a wide audience and industry professionals. One of the most spectacular points of the program will be an unprecedented 18-hour reading marathon. During this event, authors, politicians, and citizens themselves will jointly read aloud the 627-page novel "Unterleuten" by the esteemed writer Juli Zeh. Importantly, the author herself and director Böhmisch will take part in the event. This event is meant to symbolize democratic access to culture and a shared passion that transcends social divisions. Concurrently, the Leipzig liest festival will take place, filling the entire city with literature. The Leipzig Book Fair has origins dating back to the 17th century and for centuries was the most important event of its kind in Europe, before Frankfurt am Main took the lead in the post-World War II era.„"We were and are a huge community event."” — Astrid BöhmischIt is worth noting a significant organizational change: in this edition, the fair has decided not to select one specific guest country. Instead, attention will be directed towards genre and thematic diversity that transcends national borders. This format is intended to foster more egalitarian treatment of publishers and promote European literature as a cohesive, albeit multi-voiced, whole. The fair remains a key reference point for the publishing industry in Saxony and throughout Germany. 18 godzin — the marathon of joint reading of Juli Zeh's novel will lastKey fair dates: February 18, 2026 — Start of the Leipzig liest festival; February 19, 2026 — Inauguration of the main fair halls; February 19, morning — Start of the 18-hour reading marathon

Mentioned People

  • Astrid Böhmisch — Director of the Leipzig Book Fair, responsible for the new event concept and integration program.
  • Juli Zeh — German writer and lawyer, author of the novel 'Unterleuten,' which will be read during the marathon.