Mare di Libri – Festival of Young Readers
The Italian festival of literature for teenagers, in the heart of Rimini
About Mare di Libri
A festival made by young people, for young people
Mare di Libri – Festival of Young Readers is the event that every year, in June, transforms the historic center of Rimini into the Italian capital of literature for teenagers. Born in 2008, it has grown to become the benchmark event in the sector in Italy: its most precious feature is that the festival is conceived, designed, and largely managed by a group of teenage volunteers, the famous young people in orange t-shirts, who welcome the public, introduce guests, and lead the meetings.
Three days of meetings, workshops, and shows
The program brings together dozens of events, including face-to-face meetings with writers, creative workshops, debates on topics dear to young audiences, and evening shows. It covers novels, comics, graphic novels, fantasy, current affairs, and personal growth, with a constant focus on stories capable of accompanying readers from childhood to adulthood. Alongside the meetings, there are narrative games, themed escape rooms, screenings, and special activities designed to directly involve the audience.
Italian authors and international guests
Mare di Libri brings some of the most beloved names in young adult fiction, both Italian and foreign, to Rimini. Past editions have featured authors such as David Almond, Annet Schaap, Julia Green, along with Italian voices like Fabio Geda, Luigi Garlando, Marco Magnone, and Davide Morosinotto. The meetings become opportunities for direct dialogue between young people and their favorite writers, in an informal and passionate atmosphere.
Venues in the heart of Rimini
The events take place in the most evocative locations in the city: the Teatro Galli, the Teatro degli Atti, the Oratorio della Crocina, the Biblioteca Gambalunga, the Museo della Città, and Piazza Tre Martiri. A journey through history, culture, and the sea that makes Mare di Libri a unique experience in the landscape of literary festivals in Emilia-Romagna and the entire province of Rimini.
Mare di Libri — edition 2026
The XIX edition of Mare di Libri expands its offering to approximately 50 events, including 30 face-to-face sessions, workshops, debates, and evening shows, held in the historic venues of Rimini's center. Among the most anticipated novelties are the escape rooms And Then There Were None, created by Davide Morosinotto for the fiftieth anniversary of Agatha Christie's death.
The meetings range from fiction to comics, from current affairs to the major themes of personal growth, with a particular focus on sports, art, and freedom. The formula that has made the festival unique is confirmed: the direction entrusted to teenage volunteers, who are central to welcoming and animating the three days.
Programme Mare di Libri 2026
Friday, June 12
- Opening of the festival in the historic center venues of Rimini.
- Evening show Diritti minori (Minor Rights), in collaboration with the General States of Childhood and Adolescence, with Alessia Canducci, Fabio Geda, Paola Caridi, and Kento.
Saturday, June 13
- Meetings with Italian guests: Manlio Castagna (preview of La mia vita dopo Juno Sparks), Sualzo and Silvia Vecchini, Marco Magnone, Luigi Garlando, Fabio Geda, Marianna Balducci, Beniamino Sidoti, Kento, Amir Issa, and Sergio Riccardi.
- International guests: David Almond, Julia Green, Annet Schaap, Sarah Jäger, Enne Koens, and Zakiya Ajmi.
- Workshops: fanfiction with Chiara Codecà, comics with Sergio Riccardi, and a workshop dedicated to the Middle Ages with Manlio Castagna.
- The escape rooms E poi non rimase nessuno created by Davide Morosinotto.
Sunday, June 14
- Final day of meetings and workshops.
- Award ceremony for the Premio Mare di Libri 2026 (XII edition), Sunday at 7:00 PM.
Full program and tickets at maredilibri.it.
Highlights Mare di Libri 2026
Prices Mare di Libri 2026
Practical information — Mare di Libri
How to get there
Rimini is well connected by train (Rimini station on the Bologna–Ancona Adriatic line) and by car via the A14 motorway, Rimini Sud or Rimini Nord exit. The festival venues are all located in the historic center, easily reachable on foot.
Tickets
Admission to some events is free, while others require a reasonably priced ticket (generally between 4 and 12 euros depending on the event). Tickets can be purchased through the festival's official online ticket office.
Tips
Given the high attendance, it is advisable to book meetings with the most anticipated guests in advance and to organize accommodation in good time, taking advantage of the rich hospitality offer of the Rimini Riviera.
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Where does it take place — Mare di Libri
Centro storico di Rimini (Teatro Galli, Teatro degli Atti, Biblioteca Gambalunga)