A NEW EDITION IS COMING
The 2026 edition of #EuropeanAuthorsDay #ReadForReal will once again bring readers, authors and cultural organisations together across Europe.
Between 11 November and 12 December 2026, schools, libraries, bookshops and cultural institutions will organise literary events that connect authors with readers and celebrate the power of books.
Preparations for the new edition begin in early 2026 and gradually build a European network of organisers and partners.
Whether you are an organiser, an author or part of a reading community, you are invited to join the initiative.
Learn how your institution or organisation can take part in the initiative.
The 2026 edition highlights friendship and togetherness as a source of inspiration for those looking for ideas for their events. It is an open invitation to build real, offline connections through shared reading, conversation and the exchange of ideas and emotions. Books help us understand one another, strengthen communication skills, and create space for meaningful, lasting relationships across communities and Europe as a whole.
2026 CELEBRATION TIMELINE
Preparations for the #ReadForReal2026 edition take place throughout the year. Don’t waste time and plan your actions ahead! See the key milestones of this year’s celebration.
MARCH
HUBS ACTIVATION
We develop the network of National Hubs coordinating activities in participating countries.
Interested in becoming a National Hub? We have prepared a dedicated toolkit to support organisations taking on this role.
Explore the toolkit and learn how to coordinate the initiative in your country.
APRIL
MAY
FINDING HUBS
We encourage schools, libraries and cultural institutions to start planning events and connect with their National Hubs.
Organisers can already explore the network and reach out to the hub coordinating activities in their country. It is also a good moment to express interest in receiving printed welcome packs with promotional and informational materials that will be distributed to organisers in autumn through the National Hubs.
Check the current list of National Hubs, connect with your local coordinator and learn how to receive the printed materials for organisers.
MAY
LITERACY FOR DEMOCRACY
We invite hub representatives to the international conference “Literacy for Democracy – Shaping the Future” in Warsaw.
Join the debate and be part of discussions on literacy, reading promotion, and the future of education in Europe. If you cannot attend in person, you can watch the conference online.
Discover how to participate and contribute to the discussions.
MAY
JUNE
JULY
PLANNING EVENTS
We support organisers and authors in preparing activities and partnerships for the upcoming programme.
This is the time to develop ideas for events, connect with authors and begin planning local literary activities. Printed welcome packs will be distributed to the National Hubs.
European Authors Tour events announcement
We will announce the list of flagship events organised by National Hubs as part of the European Authors Tour. As part of this programme, each participating country will host an international author visiting from another country to meet readers and take part in a special literary event.
AUGUST
REGISTRATION
We open event registration for institutions across Europe.
Register your activities, discover inspiration from other organisers and inspire others to take part.
Be visible – together we create a European network of reading events.
Submit your event and become part of the European programme.
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
FINAL EVENT PREPARATIONS
We announce participating organisers, authors and upcoming activities.
Events registered across Europe begin to appear in the programme and are promoted through the project channels.
Printed organiser welcome packs will be distributed by National Hubs to event organisers. Online materials will be available for download on the website, including ready-to-use activity and lesson scenarios.
European Authors Tour events updated list
We will update the final list of flagship events organised by National Hubs as part of the European Authors Tour.
11 NOV. – 12 DEC.
CELEBRATION
The European celebration of reading takes place across many European countries.
Schools, libraries, bookshops and cultural organisations host literary events connecting authors and readers as part of the Read. For Real initiative.
We will share your posts, stories, information and excitement on official Facebook and Instagram accounts of #ReadForReal project.
On 19-20th November #ReadForEurope workshops will take place in Blois, France, where participants will work together on a shared strategy for promoting reading across Europe and exchange insights and best practices from local initiatives.
Find the organisation coordinating Read. For Real in your country and join the celebration!
THINKING AHEAD – JOIN US
Are you a publisher, teacher, librarian, bookseller, entrepreneur, or simply a reading enthusiast? Join the celebration and plan your event as part of #EuropeanAuthorsDay #ReadForReal2026.
Organising an event is a chance to bring literature closer to children and young people, inspire readers of all ages, and be part of a European celebration of reading. Last year, participants across Europe shared incredible experiences — see what happened in 2025 and get inspired by how others celebrated.
For authors
Authors and illustrators are at the heart of the initiative.
Through meetings with readers, writers help bring literature closer to young audiences and create meaningful cultural encounters.
Authors interested in participating in the 2026 edition are encouraged to collaborate with organisers and national hubs planning events during the celebration period.
European Authors Tour
The 2026 edition will introduce the highlight programme: the European Authors Tour.
This series of flagship events will bring authors to different countries across Europe. Selected writers will travel between participating countries, taking part in special meetings with readers organised by National Hubs.
Each hub will host a guest author from another country, creating an opportunity for audiences to discover voices from different literary cultures and experience the diversity of European literature.
The full programme of the European Authors Tour will be announced according to the schedule.
Join the European celebration of reading
Every event organised under the #ReadFoReal slogan contributes to a shared European celebration of literature.
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