The European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) Executive Committee recently returned from a few productive and eventful days in Stockholm, Sweden, where we joined forces with EURead for a series of enriching meetings, cultural explorations, and collaborative discussions. This visit not only deepened our partnership with EURead but also allowed us to immerse ourselves in Sweden’s vibrant literary landscape.
A Whirlwind of Meetings and Collaboration
Our time in Stockholm was packed with engaging sessions as part of the EURead Annual General Meeting (AGM). These meetings provided a valuable platform to align our strategies, share insights, and reinforce our shared commitment to promoting reading, literacy skills, and a strong reading culture across Europe. The discussions were both inspiring and action-oriented, setting the stage for future collaborations that will benefit booksellers, reading promotion organisations, and readers alike.
EURead General Assembly, photo credits Daan Beeke
Exploring Stockholm’s Bookshop Scene
In between the formal sessions, we were fortunate to explore Stockholm’s bookshop scene on foot, discovering some of the city’s most iconic literary hubs:
- Akademibokhandeln: A historic bookshop with a rich tradition, offering a wide selection of academic and general interest books.
- Science Fiction-Bokhandeln: A haven for fans of science fiction, manga and fantasy, beautifully located in the heart of the Old Town.
- The English Bookshop: A cozy retreat for English-language literature lovers, providing a diverse range of titles and a warm, welcoming environment.
EIBF ExCom at the Science Fiction Bookshop
A Taste of Sweden’s Literary History
Our cultural immersion continued with a delightful dinner at Nedre Manilla, where we had the privilege of learning more about Sweden’s literary history. The evening was beautifully hosted by Bonniers Familjestiftelse (the Bonnier Family Foundation), offering us a glimpse into the country’s rich literary heritage and the enduring impact of its writers and publishers. The conversations were as enriching as the food, creating a memorable experience that highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating literary traditions.
Dinner at Nedre Manilla
Honoring Dedication and Welcoming New Leadership
This visit also provided an opportunity to express our gratitude to Maria Hamrefors, former EIBF board member and treasurer, for her dedicated work and invaluable contributions during her tenure. Her commitment to our mission has left a lasting impact, and we are truly thankful for her efforts.
We were also delighted to welcome Sarah Dennis as our new treasurer. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role, and we are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our organization as we continue to advocate for the bookselling community.
Strengthening Partnerships
None of this would have been possible without the warm hospitality and expert organisation of our hosts: Svenska Bokhandlareföreningen (The Swedish Booksellers Association) and its new chair Karin Lundwall, and the Bonnier Family Foundation, represented by Lovisa Fhager Logothetis. Their generosity and attention to detail made our time in Stockholm not only productive but also truly enjoyable.
This visit reinforced the strong bonds between EIBF, EURead, and our Swedish partners. It was a pleasure to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and reaffirm our shared mission to support and promote the bookselling industry and a strong reading culture across Europe. Here’s to many more fruitful partnerships and literary adventures ahead!