Madrid’s Book Day 2026: A Week-Long Celebration of Literature
Madrid is dedicating an entire week to the celebration of Book Day 2026, with a comprehensive program of activities designed for all ages. From April 20th to 26th, the city’s public libraries, cultural centers, and various squares will be bustling with literary events, including storytelling sessions, children’s workshops, poetry recitals, book presentations, shared readings, concerts, guided tours, and several book fairs.
This year’s celebration holds special significance as it marks the centenary of Book Day, officially recognized in Spain in 1926. The Network of Municipal Public Libraries of Madrid City Council is actively participating with numerous initiatives across different districts and has prepared a special reading guide titled ‘Authors who dream, readers who give life,’ a bibliographic selection available in all network libraries.
Below is a detailed schedule of activities to help you enjoy Book Day in Madrid. Please note that some activities may require prior consultation with the respective library or cultural center to confirm their schedule and availability.
Weekly Activities (April 20-26)
- Reading Guide: ‘Authors who dream, readers who give life’
The Network of Municipal Public Libraries has prepared a selection of readings for all audiences, offering recommendations to discover authors, genres, and titles throughout these days.
📍 Municipal Public Libraries Network of Madrid City Council
⏱ All week - Temporary Exhibition: ‘Quixotic Corner’
An exhibition featuring rare objects and books collected by Félix Martín Franco, a collector, poet, and cultural activist.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ April 20-24
The José Saramago Library dedicates a special space to Don Quixote with an exhibition that gathers books and pieces related to Cervantes’ work. - Children’s Contest: ‘Guess the Character’
A proposal for children with prize giving for the bookmark contest.
📍 Huerta de la Salud Municipal Public Library
⏱ Throughout the week - Special Book Day Bookmark Gift
Various municipal libraries are joining the celebration with gifts related to reading and borrowing.
📍 Various municipal libraries
⏱ Throughout the week
Book Fairs
- II Fuencarral-El Pardo Book Fair
Five days of programming including theater, literary presentations, recitals, concerts, children’s activities, and encounters with district authors. One of the most complete Book Day agendas in Madrid.
📍 Avenida de Monforte de Lemos, 38-40
⏱ April 22-26 - V Arganzuela Book Fair 2026
Four days with presentations, public readings, theater, recitals, music, and storytelling.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6
⏱ April 23-26 - III Carabanchel Book Fair
A meeting point to share stories, discover new readings, and support authors and bookstores in the district.
📍 Plaza de la Palmera
⏱ April 21-28 - Latina District Book Fair 2026
Three days to stroll among books, stalls, and cultural proposals in Parque de Aluche.
📍 Parque de Aluche Fairground
⏱ April 24-26 - VI Moratalaz Book and Culture Fair 2026
Program with book presentations, signing stalls, children’s activities, music, games, and workshops.
📍 Area next to the car park between Camino de los Vinateros and Marroquina, Plaza Manuel de la Quintana
⏱ April 24-26 - Chamartín Book Fair 2026
A cultural encounter with book signings, workshops, educational activities, guided tours, and continuous programming for all audiences in Parque de Berlín. Includes guest authors and family activities throughout the weekend.
📍 Parque de Berlín
⏱ April 23-26
Daily Program Highlights
Monday, April 20th
- English Storytelling: ‘Why monkeys live in tree’
Oral narration session by Mamen Storyteller.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Literary Style Workshop
An activity by neighborhood residents, incorporated into Book Week.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Easy Reading Club with Moratalaz Senior Center
Shared reading of ‘Cuentos’ by Emilia Pardo Bazán, designed to make literature accessible.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 10:00 AM - Poetry and Music Recital: ‘Café Johanes’
Poems by Rui Valdivia accompanied by improvised piano music by Juan Martínez.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 7:00 PM
Tuesday, April 21st
- Presentation of the Story ‘El pequeño mundo de Manuel’
Author Mª Carmen Sanz Peluffo presents this story for children aged 5-7, followed by a craft workshop.
📍 José Saramago Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Easy Reading Club with ADEMO Association
Reading encounter around Anna Tortajada’s book ‘Cruce de mundos.’
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 10:00 AM - Memory Workshop
Participatory activity to exercise memory and share cultural and literary references.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 5:00 PM - ‘We Read with Emilia’
Activity programmed in the Salamanca district.
📍 Emilia Pardo Bazán Cultural Center
⏱ 11:30 AM - Conference: ‘Literature without Borders’
Session dedicated to French and Francophone authors translated into Spanish.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 7:00 PM - Presentation of the Book ‘Tu camino hacia la salud’
Dr. Camino Díaz presents her work on integrative and functional medicine.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 7:00 PM - Creative Writing Workshop
Session by Javier Arriero on narration, representation, meaning, and the role of the narrator.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:30 PM
Wednesday, April 22nd
- Storytelling ‘Pequeño Conejo blanco’ and Craft
Children’s activity with a creative proposal.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 10:30 AM - Inauguration of the II Fuencarral-El Pardo District Book Fair
Opening with storytelling ‘El baúl de los cuentos perdidos’ by Pingüi for children aged 3 and up.
📍 Fuencarral-El Pardo District Book Fair Tent
⏱ Check schedule - Children’s Activity: ‘Decorate your bookmark’
Workshop to personalize bookmarks.
📍 Huerta de la Salud Municipal Public Library, children’s room
⏱ Check schedule - Storytelling: ‘La reina de los colores’
Andrea Ortúzar narrates this story for children and families.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - ‘Volando,’ by Ana Marqués
Literary activity around this work.
📍 Benito Pérez Galdós Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Literary Encounter: ‘Women, Yesterday and Today in Spanish Literature’
New edition of the Pilar de Valderrama Literary Salon with Alicia Viladomat and Juan Manuel de Prada, moderated by Carlos Aganzo, with musical accompaniment.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 7:00 PM - Books in the Courtyard
A reading promotion initiative that brings books outdoors.
📍 David Gistau Municipal Public Library
⏱ April 22-24
Thursday, April 23rd · Book Day
- Intergenerational Activity: Public Reading of ‘El Quijote’
A central event of the V Arganzuela Book Fair.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM - Memory Workshop: ‘Dime con quién andas’
A contest to guess characters from universal literature.
📍 Aluche Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - Colloquium: ‘El Escribidor’
Collective recital where each author reads their own poem and one by a deceased writer.
📍 Mario Vargas Llosa Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - Sewing and Crochet Workshop around the Book
Creation of reading-related objects like bookmarks or book covers.
📍 Iván de Vargas Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - XXX Reading of ‘El Quijote’
Participation in the continuous reading of the Cervantine classic in collaboration with the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
📍 Iván de Vargas Municipal Public Library
⏱ All day - Reading Club
Special session for Book Day.
📍 Canillejas Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - Bookcrossing for Book Day
Exchange and release of books to circulate reading among neighbors.
📍 José Saramago Municipal Public Library
⏱ All day - Reading Promotion Activity with Families
Storytelling and craft workshop to create bookmarks.
📍 Outside Vallecas Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - Joint Reading of ‘El Quijote’
Reading encounter with Fundación Prodis.
📍 Francisco Ayala Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - Relators’ Meeting
Activity focused on feminine narration and literary creation.
📍 San Fermín Municipal Public Library
⏱ 12:00 PM - Guided Tour: ‘Reading the Press’
The Municipal Hemeroteca of Madrid participates in LibroMad with a guided tour including a documentary selection from its historical collection (1875-1934).
📍 Municipal Hemeroteca of Madrid
⏱ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Award Ceremony for Bookmark Contest Finalists
Recognition event.
📍 José Saramago Municipal Public Library
⏱ 5:30 PM - Dramatized Reading: Mary Shelley
Liberteatro company commemorates the 175th anniversary of the death of the author of Frankenstein.
📍 Museum of History of Madrid
⏱ 6:00 PM - Award Ceremony for the XXV Annual Bookmark Contest
Winners receive a batch of books and a guided tour of the Museum of History of Madrid, followed by storytelling by Mar Amado.
📍 Iván de Vargas Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Round Table: ‘Madriz: urban & graphic novel’
Encounter focused on Madrid in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and the relationship between art, culture, periphery, social tension, and urban tribes.
📍 Museum of Contemporary Art
⏱ 6:00 PM - Special DIY: ‘LibroMad’
Creative workshop focused on creation and experimentation around the book.
📍 José Hierro Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Presentation of the Book ‘Llévame donde haya vida’
Carmen la Griega presents an artistic and intimate project born from five years of drawn diaries during the accompaniment of her father with Alzheimer’s.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:30 PM - Conference: ‘The Trees of Buen Retiro: how to reduce their risk’
Eduardo Casado, agronomist and landscaper, reflects on the conservation and risk of the park’s historic trees.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:30 PM - Creative Writing Workshop
New session of the workshop given by Javier Arriero.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:30 PM - Meet & Read. Shared Reading Party
Plaza Matadero transforms into a large literary meadow with grass, hammocks, and tables for reading and conversation. Free access with prior registration.
📍 Plaza Matadero
⏱ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM - Round Table: ‘The value of the book in the age of artificial intelligence’
Open conversation organized within LibroMad with writers Florina Ilis and Elia Maqueda, moderated by Manuel Rico.
📍 Iván de Vargas Municipal Public Library
⏱ 7:00 PM - Guided Tour: ‘The confines of the book: guided tour of manuscript and printed heritage’
A tour of works from the incunabula period to the present to reflect on the essence and permanence of the physical book in the digital age.
📍 Municipal Historical Library
⏱ Check schedule - Jazz Four Girls Concert
The female quartet will offer an evening of swing, boogie, samba, scat, gypsy jazz, cha-cha-chá, and blues in a tribute to original jazz.
📍 Víctor Espinós Music Library, choir room, 2nd floor of the Torreón
⏱ 7:00 PM - Presentation of the Book ‘Medina Azahara en imágenes: hasta la última nota’
Encounter with members of the musical group Medina Azahara and the author of the book, Carmen Molina.
📍 Iván de Vargas Municipal Public Library
⏱ 7:00 PM - Literary Bingo
All those who make a loan can participate in this activity and opt for different prizes.
📍 Portazgo Municipal Public Library
⏱ All day
Friday, April 24th
- Guided Tour: ‘The confines of the book: guided tour of manuscript and printed heritage’
A tour of works from the incunabula period to the present.
📍 Municipal Historical Library
⏱ Check schedule - Guided Tours of Artistic and Artisan Bookbinding Workshops
The Municipal Printing Press opens its professional workshops to show how books are made with traditional methods.
📍 Municipal Printing Press. Book Arts
⏱ Check schedule - Visit from Hortaleza Park Children’s School with Story Session
A reading day for the little ones with titles like ‘La monstruosa sorpresa’ and ‘Cuánto te quiero….’
📍 Huerta de la Salud Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - Presentation of the Book ‘Microteatro. 13 historias para pasear a los perros’
Activity framed within the LibroMad program.
📍 Mario Vargas Llosa Municipal Public Library
⏱ April 24, Check schedule
The Mario Vargas Llosa Library proposes a journey through different literary universes to celebrate Book Day. - Poetry and Literature Workshop
Session given by Pedro Romero Liébana.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 10:00 AM - Storytelling ‘Pequeño Conejo blanco’ and Craft
New session of this children’s activity.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 10:30 AM - Latina District Book Fair
A new edition begins in Parque de Aluche, with stalls and a reading atmosphere throughout the weekend.
📍 Parque de Aluche Fairground
⏱ 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM - VI Moratalaz Book and Culture Fair
The fair begins with presentations, signings, children’s activities, music, games, and workshops.
📍 Plaza Manuel de la Quintana - Mini Story Marathon
Session by library staff within the Chamartín Book Fair, aimed at families.
📍 Parque de Berlín, Municipal Board stand
⏱ 5:00 PM - Chamartín Book Fair Storytelling Marathon
Reading animation activity for families organized with the participation of Dámaso Alonso and Francisco Ibáñez libraries.
📍 Parque de Berlín, Municipal Board stand
⏱ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM - Craft Workshop: ‘Ex libris’
Creation of a personalized stamp to identify one’s own books with recycled materials.
📍 Parque de Berlín, Municipal Board stand
⏱ 5:30 PM - Recycled Animation Workshop
Activity in collaboration with 21 Districts.
📍 Miguel Delibes Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Presentation of the Story ‘Maya no se calla’
Activity for children aged 8 to 12.
📍 José Saramago Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Children’s Activity: ‘Librarian for a day’
Children aged 7 to 11 can learn how books are organized and classified, label copies, and get their librarian card.
📍 San Blas Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Cineforum with the Film ‘Al final de la escalera’
Screening organized with the Barajas Club Association.
📍 Gloria Fuertes Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - Presentation of the Book ‘Entre la mente y el crimen’
The young author from the neighborhood, Abel Corino Soria, presents his work within the LibroMad program.
📍 María Zambrano Municipal Public Library
⏱ Check schedule - ‘El sombrero de un poeta’
A scenic proposal that combines poetry and theater.
📍 Orcasur Cultural Center
⏱ 6:30 PM - ‘War and Peace’
Cultural activity inspired by the classic work.
📍 Pipo Velasco Youth Leisure and Counseling Center
⏱ 6:30 PM - Josefina Aldecoa and her ‘Historia de una maestra’
Literary activity focused on the work of Josefina Aldecoa.
📍 David Gistau Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:30 PM - Double Award Ceremony: Bookmark Contest and Children’s Micro-story Contest
Recognition event for the winners of both calls.
📍 San Blas Municipal Public Library
⏱ 6:00 PM - Presentation of the Book ‘Un tren sin estaciones’
Antonio Pastor Gaitero presents his work at the V Arganzuela Book Fair.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 7:00 PM - Presentation of the Book ‘Shopping detox’
Gema Gómez reflects on consumerism, anxiety, and conscious decisions.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 7:00 PM - Encounter with Carmen Mola (book signing)
A unique opportunity to meet one of the most widely read authors.
📍 Parque de Berlín
⏱ April 24, 7:30 PM - Performance by students of the Manuel Vázquez Montalbán Municipal Music School
Young performers will offer a special performance.
📍 Víctor Espinós Music Library, choir room, 2nd floor of the Torreón
⏱ Check schedule. Free access until full capacity. - Manual Press Demonstrations and Guided Tours of the Permanent Exhibition
The Municipal Printing Press joins LibroMad with activities without prior reservation during evening hours.
📍 Municipal Printing Press. Book Arts
⏱ 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday, April 25th
- Conference: ‘The birth of science fiction’
Dissemination talk based on the library’s science fiction collection, with a tribute to Ursula K. Le Guin.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 11:00 AM - Children’s Theater: ‘Inventando el cuento’
Family show for ages 4 and up, where the story is built step by step with humor, imagination, and audience participation.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 12:00 PM - ‘Who lives in books?’
Activity programmed in the Vicálvaro district.
📍 El Madroño Cultural Center
⏱ 12:00 PM - Story Hunt
Family activity included in the Book Day cycle in Usera, designed to bring reading and oral narration to children.
📍 Orcasur Cultural Center
⏱ 12:00 PM - Instructions for Flying on a Magic Carpet
Proposal for children and families within the special Book Day program in the district.
📍 Usera Municipal Board
⏱ 12:00 PM - Presentation of the Book ‘El aquelarre de Sálvora’
Silvia de Pablos presents her work at the Arganzuela fair.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 6:00 PM - Cervantes vs Lope. The Great Plagiarism
Cultural activity programmed in Usera that revisits the relationship between two great names of Spanish literature in a scenic and literary key.
📍 Usera Municipal Board
⏱ 6:30 PM - ‘La dama boba’
Representation included in the Book Day cycle in Usera to bring classical theater to the district’s public.
📍 Meseta de Orcasitas Cultural Center
⏱ 6:30 PM - Poetic Musical Recital: ‘Distrito Poético, pre-premiere of verses’
An event to enjoy poetry in dialogue with music.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 7:00 PM - Book Day Program in Ciudad Lineal
Thematic day inspired by Alice in Wonderland, with workshops, games, and participatory activities for children in El Calero Park.
📍 El Calero Park
⏱ April 25
Sunday, April 26th
- Concert by the Network Orchestra
The ensemble, made up of students from the Municipal Schools of Music and Dance of Madrid, will offer a concert for all audiences.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 12:00 PM - Dramatized Reading: Mary Shelley
Another opportunity to enjoy this proposal from the Liberteatro company, now at the Municipal Printing Press.
📍 Municipal Printing Press. Book Arts
⏱ 12:00 PM - Presentation of the Children’s Book ‘El troll de las estrellas’
Illustrated work for children aged 6 to 10 that combines family values, curiosity, and astronomy adapted for childhood.
📍 Eugenio Trías Municipal Public Library
⏱ 12:00 PM - Book Exchange and Recommendations
Activity to share readings, exchange books, and discover new proposals among readers.
📍 Iván de Vargas Municipal Public Library
⏱ 12:00 PM - Talk and Signing with Juan Gómez-Jurado and Bárbara Montes
Encounter with two best-selling authors who will share their creative experience and dialogue with the public about literature, thrillers, and contemporary narrative.
📍 Berlin Open-Air Auditorium / Municipal Stand
⏱ 12:00 PM - Águeda Bookstore Stand: ‘La Voz del viento’
Encounter around the work of José Gil Romero and Goretti Irisarri.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Presentation of the Book ‘Nacer a mejor’
Shéila Pérez presents her book at the V Arganzuela Book Fair.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 1:30 PM - Storytelling: ‘Letras con mucho cuento’
Bárbara Fernández stars in this family activity at the fair.
📍 Paseo de la Chopera, 6. Arganzuela Book Fair
⏱ 5:00 PM - ‘The word healer’
Activity programmed in the Vicálvaro district to close Book Week.
📍 Fuente de San Pedro-Valderrivas Cultural Center
⏱ 12:00 PM
Source: https://diario.madrid.es/blog/2026/04/20/dia-del-libro-madrid-2026-agenda-semana/
