The 66th Fiera dei Librai in Bergamo is set to take place from April 19 to May 4, 2025, on the picturesque Sentierone, marking a significant event in the local literary calendar. This year, the fair promises to be longer and more inclusive, extending from its traditional 12 days to 16, with a remarkable lineup of 138 events. Antonio Terzi, president of Confesercenti Bergamo and a local bookseller, emphasized the fair's ambition, stating, "The moment remains difficult, but we are relaunching. The fair will be long, the list of events is powerful, and the participating bookstores have increased from five to nine."
This year’s Fiera will not only be hosted at the Sentierone but will also expand its reach to several key venues including the Caversazzi, Mai, and Tiraboschi libraries, the Cult! Auditorium in Piazza Libertà, the Donizetti Studio, the Nxt in Piazzale Alpini, the gres art 671, the University, and the Sala Sestini of the Palazzo dei Contratti e delle Manifestazioni. The participating bookstores now include Arnoldi, Nani, Palomar, Il Parnaso libri&natura, Punto a capo, along with the new additions of Spazio Terzo Mondo, Incrocio Quarenghi, San Paolo, and Elle Libri.
The fair's theme, "Lasciati portare lontano" (Let Yourself Be Taken Far), is designed to reflect the importance of literature in navigating today’s complex world. Daniele Rocchetti, the artistic director, interprets the title as a call for guidance, stating, "We need maps and compasses to decipher today’s History. Books, as tools for grasping complexity, hold great value." This year’s agenda is packed with events that are free to the public, though some may require prior reservation.
Among the highlights of the fair are the author meetings, which will be the main attraction. Notable speakers include historian Alessandro Barbero, who will be at gres art 671 on April 12, engaging in dialogue with Oliviero Bergamini on the topic of "War, Peace, Empires." The fair will also feature a closing event on May 9, where former minister Giulio Tremonti will discuss his book "Guerra o pace" (War or Peace) with journalist Cesare Zapperi at the Aula Castoldi of the University.
In between these major events, a diverse array of authors will grace the fair. Some of the notable names include Romano Prodi, who will appear with Massimo Giannini on April 22; Savino Pezzotta and Marcello Veneziani on April 23; Silvio Garattini and Elena Cattaneo on April 24; Tiziano Treu with Nando Pagnoncelli, Massimo Cacciari, Luigi Manconi, and Elena Carnevali on April 26; Benedetta Tobagi on April 28; and Tullio Pericoli, Francesco Battistini, and Beppe Severgnini on April 29. May will bring further excitement with appearances by Michele Serra and Fabio Paravisi on May 2, and a host of other influential figures on May 3 and 4.
The Fiera dei Librai aims not only to promote books and reading but also to support local bookstores. Terzi pointed out the importance of upcoming government initiatives, mentioning, "By the end of May, we expect the implementing decrees of the DL Cultura, which will allocate 4 million for new bookstores opened by under-35s in disadvantaged areas and restore the 25 million bonus for library purchases from local bookstores."
In a similar vein, the Mestre Book Fest is set to take place from June 3 to June 15, 2025, under the auspices of the Municipality of Venice and Confcommercio Mestre. This year’s theme, "Difendiamo la specie" (Let’s Defend the Species), is an invitation to protect the joy of reading and reaffirm the essential role of books in society. The festival will feature meetings with authors primarily scheduled at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM, with special weekend events including lunches and breakfasts with the authors, available by reservation.
The festival will kick off on June 3 with an inauguration in Piazza Ferretto featuring author Maurizio De Giovanni at 6:30 PM. The event will culminate on June 15 with a closing session led by Beppe Severgnini. Other confirmed guests include Marco Bocci, Antonio Caprarica, Alessandro Sallusti, Piergiorgio Pulixi, Anna Yi Lan Zhang, and Monica Pais, promising a rich tapestry of literary discussions and insights.
Both the Fiera dei Librai and the Mestre Book Fest highlight the resilience and adaptability of the literary community in Italy, especially in challenging times. As local bookstores and cultural events strive to connect readers with literature, they foster a vibrant dialogue that enriches the community and promotes a love for reading. With a diverse array of events and esteemed authors, these festivals serve as a testament to the enduring power of books and the importance of supporting local literary initiatives.
As the countdown to these events begins, the excitement is palpable among book lovers and the literary community alike, each eager to engage with the ideas and stories that will unfold in Bergamo and Mestre this spring and summer.
