Book Week 2026: Celebrating Belizean Literature
Book Week 2026 brought two full days of activity, conversation, and celebration to the House of Culture in Belize City, as readers, writers, and organisations from across the country came together in the spirit of this year’s theme, “It All Begins on Page One.”
A key highlight of the programme was a series of panel discussions exploring important topics within Belize’s book sector. These included conversations on addressing the literacy gap, the publishing environment in Belize, future funding for literary projects, copyright and AI by the Belize Intellectual Property Office (BELIPO), and a thoughtful defence of history by Lita Hunter Krohn. The publishing panel featured special guest Mexican author Claudia Cabrera, who shared valuable insights from her experience as a writer in Mexico.
The Meet the Author sessions gave audiences the chance to connect directly with local writers and hear the stories behind their work. Featured authors included Ix-Chel Poot, Karryn Dawson, Ian Gibson, Khaila Gentle, Gail Lash, and Brenda Marie Herrera, each offering a glimpse into their creative process and the inspiration behind their books.
For younger attendees, the Belize National Library Service and Information System (BNLSIS) organised a range of fun and engaging children’s activities.
The book fair itself was a lively hub throughout the event, with exhibitors representing booksellers, publishers, and institutions from across Belize. Participants included NICH, Cubola Productions, the Book Center, BRC Printing, Bakabush Books, Imagination Factri, the National Kriol Council, and a number of independent authors.
The celebration extended into the evenings, with a Night Market at the House of Culture featuring books at special prices alongside live music, readings, and wine. The two-day event concluded with a Literary Evening at the Mexican Cultural Institute with music and poetry readings.
On behalf of the Belize Book Sector Network, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated, attended, and supported Book Week 2026. Your involvement made this event possible and meaningful.
We look forward to welcoming you again next year.
Programme of Events
Wednesday, 22 April
09:00 am – Opening Ceremony – Karla Pinelo, NICH
President’s Address – Felene Cayetano, President, BBSN
Opening Remarks – Ms. Arreini Palacio-Morgan, NICH Board of Directors
Keynote Address – Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State: Education, Culture, Science & Technology
10:00 am – Panel Discussion: Addressing the Literacy Gap: Reimagining Reading in the Digital Age – MoE, BNLSIS, UNICEF, BELPRI, UNESCO, BNTU, Tek Time fi Read
Children’s Activities: Library Activities: Colouring, Reading, Games
11:00 am – Guided Tour of the Fair: Meet the Minds Behind the Books
1:00 pm – Panel Discussion: Future Funding for Literary Projects – UNESCO, NICH, BBSN, BELTRAIDE, BTB
Children’s Activities: Books From Around the World
2:00 pm – Meet the Author: The Jade Necklace – Ian Gibson
3:00 pm – Panel Discussion: Copyright, AI, and You – BELIPO
5:00 pm – Meet the Author: Coffee Table Conversations – Khaila Gentle
6:00 - 9:00 pm – Night Market: Books at Special Prices, with Readings & Wine Tasting
Live Music – Loreto Pelayo Quartet
Meet the Author: Reflections and Meditations – Brenda Marie Herrera
Thursday, 23 April
09:00 am – Opening of Book Fair
Meet the Author: Baby Star Where Are You – Ix-Chel Poot
10:00 am – Panel Discussion: The Publishing Environment in Belize: Traditional, Indie, Self-Publishing – Stakeholders in the Book Industry, Special Guest: Mexican Author Claudia Cabrera
11:00 am – Meet the Author: How Taiga Became Faiya Taiga – Gail Lash
1:00 pm – Meet the Author: Dream Powers – Karryn Dawson
Children’s Activities: Traditional Belizean Games
2:00 pm – Meet the Author: The Jade Necklace – Ian Gibson
3:00 pm – Children’s Activities: Find Me! Map Reading
4:00 pm – Panel Discussion: In Defence of History – Lita Hunter Krohn
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
