La Via dei Librai
The book and reading festival in the heart of Palermo
About La Via dei Librai
La Via dei Librai: An open-air library in the Cassaro Alto
La Via dei Librai is the book and reading festival that brings the Cassaro Alto of Palermo to life every spring, right in the heart of the historic center. For a few days, Via Vittorio Emanuele—the historic stretch connecting the Cathedral to the Quattro Canti—becomes a true open-air library, featuring stalls from booksellers and publishers, stages for presentations, and dedicated spaces for children. The event takes place in the municipality of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and is free to attend.
A grassroots initiative
The initiative was born from the Cassaro Alto Association, which brings together local merchants and residents dedicated to the cultural and social revitalization of one of the most significant parts of the historic center, now supported by Significa Palermo Ets. From a simple street festival, La Via dei Librai has grown year after year to become one of the city's most anticipated cultural events, attracting citizens, schools, and visitors from all over Sicily.
What to experience along the Cassaro
The program weaves together many different languages and moments:
- Book presentations and meetings with Italian and Sicilian authors;
- Reading workshops, creative writing, and educational activities for children and teenagers;
- Guided paths with schools from the historic center;
- Exhibitions, conferences, and side events in iconic locations such as Villa Bonanno and Piazza Bologni;
- Reading marathons and musical performances.
Between the Cathedral, Villa Bonanno, and Piazza Bologni
The festival spaces are distributed along the Cassaro and in the adjacent squares: the Cathedral square hosts the inauguration and the main stage, while Villa Bonanno, with its historic garden, welcomes workshops and family activities. Piazza Bologni and other city center locations complete an itinerary that invites you to experience Palermo while strolling through the pages of a book.
In the spirit of World Book Day
La Via dei Librai is ideally linked to the World Book and Copyright Day proclaimed by UNESCO on April 23rd, with initiatives spread across the city's bookstores and libraries. It is an opportunity to rediscover the value of reading as a shared experience and to enjoy the historic center of Palermo in a festive and participatory atmosphere.
La Via dei Librai — edition 2026
The eleventh edition of La Via dei Librai was held in Palermo from April 17 to 19, 2026, with an additional day on April 23 dedicated to the World Book Day proclaimed by UNESCO. The chosen theme was participation, with particular attention given to young people and children, who were the protagonists of workshops, educational activities, and reading paths with schools from the historic center.
The inauguration took place on Friday, April 17 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral square, in the presence of city authorities. Along Via Vittorio Emanuele, over forty book presentations took place, featuring authors such as Stefania Auci, Pino Arlacchi, and other guests, while Villa Bonanno and Piazza Bologni hosted exhibitions, meetings, and side initiatives. The event, organized by the Cassaro Alto Association with Significa Palermo Ets, was free of charge.
Programme La Via dei Librai 2026
Widespread program along the Cassaro Alto of Palermo from April 17 to 19, 2026, with an appendix on April 23 for World Book Day.
- April 17 - Inauguration at the Cathedral square; book presentations, exhibitions dedicated to children's literature, writing workshops.
- April 18 - Presentations with guests, musical moments, creative workshops for children, thematic exhibitions.
- April 19 - Reading marathon, presentation of the Manifesto dedicated to Rosa Balistreri in Piazza Bologni, closing of the event.
- April 23 - UNESCO World Book Day: reading marathons, "A book, a flower" initiative in the city's bookstores.
Highlights La Via dei Librai 2026
- 2026 Theme: participation and youth engagement
- Over 40 book presentations along the Cassaro Alto
- Guests including Stefania Auci and Pino Arlacchi
- Workshops and activities for children at Villa Bonanno
- UNESCO World Book Day on April 23
Prices La Via dei Librai 2026
Practical information — La Via dei Librai
Where
The event takes place along Via Vittorio Emanuele (Cassaro Alto), between the Cathedral square and the Quattro Canti, with events also held at Villa Bonanno and Piazza Bologni, in the historic center of Palermo.
Getting there
The historic center is easily reachable on foot from the Palermo central station. By car, it is recommended to use paid parking in the surrounding areas, as the Cassaro is largely pedestrianized. The Falcone-Borsellino airport in Punta Raisi is connected to the city center by shuttle bus and train.
Admission
Admission to all events is free. Approximate stand hours: from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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Where does it take place — La Via dei Librai
Cassaro Alto
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 90134 Palermo