Earlier this month, the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) had the honor of participating in CEGAL’s (Confederación Española de Gremios y Asociaciones de Libreros) biennial conference: a landmark event that brings together booksellers from across Spain to explore pressing issues in the bookselling sector and the broader editorial ecosystem. This year’s conference, themed Inteligencia Humana (Human Intelligence), sparked vibrant discussions on bibliodiversity, best practices throughout the book chain, and the fundamental right to reading.
The conference served as a platform for booksellers, publishers, and industry experts to exchange ideas and strategies for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable book sector, with topics ranging from the importance of preserving diverse literary voices to the role of booksellers as cultural ambassadors in their communities. The emphasis on Human Intelligence underscored the irreplaceable value of human connection, expertise, and passion in an increasingly digital world.
EIBF’s participation was marked by a keynote speech delivered by Policy Assistant Lorenzo Dall’Omo, who highlighted EIBF’s pivotal role in advocating for booksellers’ interests at the European level and outlined how EIBF engages with European institutions to ensure that the unique challenges and opportunities faced by booksellers are heard and addressed. From policy advocacy to fostering cross-border collaborations, EIBF’s work is instrumental in shaping a supportive environment for independent booksellers across Europe.
The keynote also showcased EIBF’s innovative projects, such as RISE Bookselling, an initiative designed to empower booksellers through training, networking, and knowledge-sharing through initiatives such as the flagship bookseller exchange programme. Additionally, the European Union Prize for Literature was also introduced, a prestigious award that celebrates outstanding literary talent and promotes cultural diversity across the continent. These projects exemplify EIBF’s commitment to strengthening the book sector and ensuring its vitality for future generations.
The conference reinforced the idea that booksellers are not just retailers but guardians of culture and champions of intellectual freedom. By advocating for policies that support bibliodiversity and reading as a constitutional right, EIBF and CEGAL are both paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive literary landscape.
As the book industry continues to evolve, events like CEGAL’s biennial conference remind us of the power of human intelligence, collaboration, creativity, and community, to shape a brighter future for books and those who bring them to life.