Interliber International Book Fair: Where the World Comes to Read

A Celebration of Books, Culture, and Human Connection

Every November, the city of Zagreb transforms into a literary wonderland. The Interliber International Book Fair isn’t just an exhibition—it’s an experience that unites readers, authors, and publishers from around the world under one roof.

Held at the Zagreb Fair Grounds, Interliber has become the beating heart of Croatia’s literary scene. Imagine walking through endless aisles filled with books, meeting writers you admire, discovering new voices, and breathing in that familiar scent of printed paper that feels like home to every reader.

The Essence of Interliber

Founded in 1977, Interliber has grown into Croatia’s largest and most beloved book event. Each year, more than 300 publishers and exhibitors from across Europe and beyond gather to showcase their latest works. From global bestsellers and philosophical masterpieces to children’s picture books and educational tools—Interliber celebrates every shade of human creativity.

But what makes it truly special isn’t just the scale—it’s the spirit.
For six days, Zagreb becomes a city of readers. School groups, literature lovers, and curious minds fill the halls, sharing a quiet joy that only stories can create. It’s a reminder that books still matter—and always will.

More Than a Fair It’s a Cultural Movement

Interliber goes beyond selling books. It’s a festival of ideas and imagination, featuring:

• Author meet-and-greets—where readers can speak directly with writers and get books signed.

• Literary discussions and panels—exploring themes like digital publishing, translation, and global literature.

• Workshops for children—encouraging young readers to fall in love with books early.

• Country-in-Focus programs—highlighting the literature and culture of partner nations such as Hungary, China, and Italy in recent editions.

It’s living proof that storytelling is a universal language—one that connects generations, cultures, and hearts.

The Experience: What It Feels Like to Be There

Stepping into Interliber feels like entering another world. The air hums with excitement. Books tower in bright displays; authors discuss their journeys; children giggle at storytelling corners. You’ll hear dozens of languages, yet everyone seems to understand each other perfectly—because books need no translation of the soul.

The fair also blends the traditional and the modern beautifully. While the shelves are lined with print, digital publishers, audiobook platforms, and educational tech exhibitors stand beside them—showing how the written word continues to evolve in the digital age.

Highlights from Recent Years

In recent editions, Interliber has welcomed authors from around the globe, from established names to fresh literary voices.

• 2024’s edition saw over 100,000 visitors across six days.

• Hungary was the featured country, bringing a rich collection of Central European literature.

• Chinese publishers joined the fair to promote cultural exchange and international publishing collaborations.

• The fair also hosted youth reading programs, interactive literary quizzes, and a “BookTok” segment—celebrating how social media keeps literature alive for younger audiences.

Each edition feels like a story in itself—new, unpredictable, and inspiring.

Why Interliber Still Matters

In an age when screens dominate our lives, Interliber is a quiet rebellion. It reminds us that no matter how advanced technology gets, stories remain our most powerful connection.

Here, people rediscover the tactile beauty of a real book—the weight of pages, the sound of a flip, the warmth of an autograph. It’s not about nostalgia. It’s about grounding ourselves in something real, something timeless.

For authors, Interliber is a stage. For publishers, it’s a marketplace. For readers—it’s magic.

Tips for Visitors

If you ever plan to attend, here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Go early—mornings are less crowded, perfect for browsing peacefully.

2. Mark your favorite authors—signing sessions can get packed.

3. Explore every pavilion—each one has a distinct vibe and genre focus.

4. Talk to exhibitors—they often recommend hidden gems you’d otherwise miss.

5. Don’t rush—Interliber is meant to be savored, not scanned.

The Future of Interliber

As Croatia’s literary flagship, Interliber continues to grow. With each passing year, it welcomes more countries, more digital integration, and a wider audience. There’s talk of hybrid formats—virtual panels, online exhibitor tours, and multilingual live streams—making the fair accessible worldwide.

But at its core, Interliber will always remain about one thing: human connection through stories. Whether you attend for the love of reading, professional growth, or simple curiosity—you’ll walk away with something priceless: inspiration.

The Interliber International Book Fair is more than a cultural event—it’s a living story.
It shows how words can build bridges between nations, how ideas can outlast technology, and how literature remains one of humanity’s greatest treasures.

So if you ever find yourself in Zagreb this November, step inside the fair.
Let the books whisper. Let the stories guide you.
And remember—you don’t just visit Interliber. You experience it.

FAQs

Q: What is the Interliber International Book Fair?

• The Interliber International Book Fair is Croatia’s largest and most important literary event, held annually in Zagreb. It brings together authors, publishers, educators, and readers from around the world to celebrate books, learning, and cultural exchange.

Q: When and where does Interliber take place?

• The fair is usually held every November at the Zagreb Fair Grounds (Zagrebački Velesajam), located at Avenija Dubrovnik 15, Zagreb, Croatia.
  In 2025, the event will take place from November 11 to 16.

Q: Is entry to Interliber free?

• Yes. Admission to Interliber is completely free for all visitors, making it one of the most accessible cultural events in Europe. Students, families, and book lovers can attend without any charge.

Q: Who organizes the Interliber Fair?

• It’s organized by Zagrebački Velesajam (Zagreb Fair), with support from the City of Zagreb, the Croatian Publishers Association, and the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia.

Q: What types of books and exhibitors can visitors find?

• Fiction & Non-fiction titles from global and regional publishers

• Children’s books and educational materials

• Academic and scientific literature

• Digital publishing and e-book platforms

• Audiobooks, literary magazines, and art prints

Q: Does Interliber feature international guests?

• Yes, it welcomes international publishers and authors every year. Countries like Hungary, China, Italy, Germany, and Slovenia often participate. Each edition also highlights a “Country in Focus” to celebrate cross-cultural literary exchange.

Q: Are there activities beyond book sales?

Definitely. The fair hosts:

• Author signings and live readings

• Panel discussions and workshops

• Debates on publishing, translation, and literature

• Creative writing classes

• Children’s storytelling sessions and school competitions

Q: How many visitors attend the fair each year?

• In recent years, over 100,000 visitors have attended Interliber annually, including readers, students, educators, and professionals from the publishing industry.

Q: Can international visitors or exhibitors participate?

• Yes. Interliber actively welcomes foreign publishers and exhibitors. Many use the event to launch translated editions, establish distribution deals, and network with European publishing houses.

Q: Why is Interliber important to Croatia and beyond?

• Because it’s not just a fair—it’s a symbol of cultural identity and literacy in Croatia. It helps promote reading, supports local authors, and builds international bridges through literature. Globally, it stands as one of Southeast Europe’s most respected literary events.

Facts about Interliber

Founded in 1977

• Interliber began in 1977, making it one of Europe’s longest-running book fairs. What started as a modest national event has grown into a truly international platform for literature and education.

Over 300 Exhibitors Annually

• The fair now features more than 300 exhibitors from over 14 countries, representing both traditional publishing houses and modern digital platforms.

Hosted at Zagreb Fair’s Iconic Pavilions

• The event takes place in the Pavilions 5, 6, 7, and 7A of Zagreb Fair—a venue that transforms into a vibrant city of books each November.

Over 13,000 m² of Book Paradise

• Interliber covers more than 13,000 square meters of exhibition space—filled with books, author sessions, art stalls, and creative workshops.

Country-in-Focus Tradition

Every year, one country becomes the “Guest of Honor,” allowing visitors to explore its literary culture, writers, and publishing innovations.
For example:

• 2024 – Hungary

• 2023 – Italy

• 2022 – Germany

A Hub for Education and Learning

• Beyond fiction, Interliber dedicates major sections to school textbooks, academic resources, and educational tools, making it a hub for teachers and students.

A Family-Friendly Environment

• The fair includes special programs for children, from storytelling corners to art and reading workshops, nurturing the next generation of book lovers.

A Meeting Point for Authors and Readers

• Dozens of book launches, author signings, and public interviews happen daily. It’s not unusual to meet both local legends and international literary stars in the same day.

A Space for Innovation

• Interliber has started integrating digital publishing technologies, such as e-book stands, audiobook demonstrations, and hybrid author events, bridging print and digital media.

Free Entry for All Generations

• Unlike many international fairs, Interliber has kept admission free, underlining its commitment to accessibility and love for literature over profit.

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