4th Round Table “Library – Author – Reader”

April 25, 2026 / VIP lounge of Hall “Mirza Delibašić”

The Round Table on the topic “Library – Author – Reader”, organized as part of the programme of the 37th International Sarajevo Book Fair 2026, under the motto “BOOK PATH”, will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the VIP lounge of Hall “Mirza Delibašić”, from 11:00 to 15:00.

The aim of the round table is to bring together relevant stakeholders from the fields of literature, librarianship, and culture – librarians, academics, writers, publishers, representatives of institutions and ministries, as well as readers – in order to open a dialogue on key issues shaping the relationship between books and society.

A special focus will be placed on the role of libraries in preserving literary and cultural heritage, as well as on their transformation in the contemporary digital environment. The discussion will address how libraries today are moving beyond the boundaries of traditional spaces and becoming active cultural and educational centres accessible to the wider community.

One of the key topics will also be the relationship between authors and libraries, including opportunities for cooperation, the promotion of literary creativity, and the protection of copyright in the context of accessibility to book collections.

The following speakers will address these important topics:

– H.E. Maria Molina Álvarez de Toledo, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Prof. Emeritus Nikolaos Karapidakis, Ionian University, philologist, archivist and historian
Topic: The importance of archives and the memory of civilizations in the context of books and the written word
– Dr. Aleksandra Trtovac, University Library “Svetozar Marković”, Belgrade
Topic: The evolution of libraries in the digital age
– Dr. Nataša Dakić, University Library “Svetozar Marković”, Belgrade
Topic: The future of libraries: innovation and technology
– Aleksandra Stojković, Senior Associate for Publishing Activities, University of Banja Luka (ZOOM)
– Ivana Zametica, Director of the Goethe-Institut Library in Sarajevo
Topic: “Modern libraries in transition: guardians of knowledge facing the challenges of the digital age”
– Eldina Memić, Coordinator for Culture and Arts, Turkish Cultural Centre “Yunus Emre”
Topic: “Modern libraries in Turkey: from guardians of heritage to cultural centres”
– Šuhreta Dumenić, Opatija, Shura Publications
Topic: “The book as a bridge of understanding between cultures”
– Kašmir Huseinović, with associates Andrea Petrlik Huseinović and Gala Zinko
Topic: Are fairy tales a reflection of life?
– Prof. Dr. Amila Akagić, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo
– Zorica Stablović Bulajić, Hera Edu Publishing House, Republic of Serbia
– Bora Babić, Director of Akademska knjiga, Novi Sad

Round Table Coordinator:  Adelaida Grabovica, MA in Comparative Literature and Library Science, Head of the User Services Department – National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Contact: adelaida.grabovica@nub.ba

OPENING THE “GATES OF KNOWLEDGE”

Education, Science, Art and Culture Fair

This year’s 37th Sarajevo Book Fair brings a significant programme enhancement – a new segment titled “Gates of Knowledge” in Pavilion 3, featuring presentations of numerous educational institutions at exhibition stands, along with a diverse scientific and professional programme in the “House of Knowledge” space.

The goals of “Gates of Knowledge” within the programme in the “House of Knowledge” are:

• Promotion of knowledge as a foundation of social development
• Encouraging education and lifelong learning
• Fostering cooperation between cultural and scientific institutions
• Increasing the visibility of heritage and scientific institutions
• Promotion of cultural resources of BiH to both domestic and international audiences
• Presentation of research and publishing activities of institutions
• Connecting experts and researchers with visitors and the wider public

Organized by KJP Centar “Skenderija” d.o.o., with professional support and cooperation with the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the University of Sarajevo, a rich programme has been prepared within the “House of Knowledge”, including:

• Promotions of scientific publications
• Panel discussions with distinguished professors and librarians
• Exhibitions and presentations of research works

A special focus is placed on current topics in science, technology, social and humanities disciplines, with the aim of bringing scientific and research work closer to the wider public.

In one place, the most significant achievements of publishing and heritage activities will be presented, offering the public insight into the richness of cultural and documentary heritage.

By introducing this programme, the Sarajevo Book Fair confirms its role not only as a cultural event, but also as a key educational platform that promotes critical thinking and intellectual development.

MAY THE GATES OF KNOWLEDGE ALWAYS REMAIN OPEN

Children’s Pavilion “House of Imagination and Dreams”

The Children’s Pavilion of the Sarajevo Book Fair represents the central programme space dedicated to children and youth. Through diverse and interactive programmes, meetings with authors, workshops, as well as artistic and stage content, visitors have the opportunity to discover the world of books in a creative and inspiring way.

The pavilion promotes the book as a starting point for various forms of creativity, connecting the written word with images, music, movement, and contemporary media. The “House of Imagination and Dreams” highlights the importance of books and reading, and serves as a space for meeting, learning, and creative expression.

Kingdom of Spain – Guest of Honour
Sarajevo Book Fair 2026

The Guest of Honour of the 37th Sarajevo Book Fair 2026 is the Kingdom of Spain. Spain is one of the world’s most significant countries, with an exceptional cultural heritage and a strong influence on global civilizations and cultures, fostering connections across all fields of creative expression.

At the Sarajevo Book Fair, the Kingdom of Spain will present its contemporary publishing production and significant works translated into major world languages. Spain will organize an exhibition in the fair’s central presentation and exhibition area – the Bosnian House, promote its books and authors, open new opportunities for cooperation with authors and publishers, and participate in the 4th Round Table of the Sarajevo Book Fair “Library – Author – Reader.”