Book Week 2026: Celebrating Belizean Literature
The Belize Book Sector Network (BBSN) is pleased to announce that Book Week 2026 will take place at the House of Culture in Belize City from 22–23 April 2026. This celebration of books, writing, and literary culture will bring together authors, publishers, librarians, educators, and readers for a dynamic and engaging programme of events.
This year’s theme is “It All Begins on Page One.”
The line-up will feature author talks, book launches, panel discussions, workshops, and a special Literary Evening. Sessions will explore topics such as promoting reading, publishing in Belize, Kriol literary heritage and oral tradition, copyright and artificial intelligence, professional editing skills, and future funding for literary projects. Guest authors and facilitators from Belize and abroad will also take part.
Please note that the programme is tentative and subject to change. We encourage you to check back for updates, including additional events and guest speakers.
We look forward to welcoming you to Belize City this April!
Programme of Events
Wednesday, 22 April
09:00 am – Opening Ceremony (Welcome, President’s Address, Keynote Speaker, Literary Prize 2027)
10:00 am – Addressing the Literacy Gap: Reimagining Reading in the Digital Age (Panel Discussion)
Colouring, Reading, Games (Children’s Activities)
1:00 pm – Books From Around the World (Children’s Activities)
2:00 pm – The Jade Necklace – Ian Gibson (Meet the Author)
3:00 pm – Copyright, AI, and You (Panel Discussion)
5:00 pm – Coffee Table Conversations – Khaila Gentle (Meet the Author)
6:00 - 9:00 pm – Night Market with Live Music, Wine Tasting, Open Mic
Reflections and Meditations – Brenda Marie Herrera (Meet the Author)
Thursday, 23 April
09:00 am – Opening of Book Fair
Baby Star Where Are You – Ix Chel Poot (Meet the Author)
Find Me! Map Reading (Children’s Activities)
10:00 am – Creating Opportunities for Reading in Schools (Panel Discussion)
11:00 am – How Taiga Became Faiya Taiga – Gail Lash (Meet the Author)
1:00 pm – EBSCO National Subscription (Panel Discussion)
3:00 pm – Dream Powers – Karryn Dawson (Meet the Author)
4:00 pm – In Defence of History – Lita Hunter Krohn (Panel Discussion)
6:00 pm – Closing of Book Fair
7:00 - 9:30 pm – Literary Evening at the Mexican Cultural Institute
Other Events
21 April
Hoal Lang Bench 5th Anniversary
5:45 pm (Belize time)
Online via Zoom (Meeting ID: 821 5157 664, Passcode: HLB426)
24 April
San Estevan Community Library 20th Anniversary Celebration
San Estevan, Orange Walk
10:00 am
Spokenword 501 Poetry Night
Turton Library Center, Belize City
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm