Here’s a list of international literary events canceled over coronavirus concerns.
We’re keeping track of the book fairs and other events that have been canceled or rescheduled as coronavirus spreads around the globe. Check back here for updates.
BookExpo, UnBound and BookCon (New York, New York, May 27-31): Postponed to July 22-26
“Following the guidance of health officials, we are now complying with the State’s request that large gatherings be postponed to ensure the well-being of everyone involved with our event. … Our hearts go out to our entire community, every individual person and business impacted by the COVID-19 virus, and all of you who rely on and look forward to this event each year.” —Statement from event director Jenny Martin
Wordplay Festival (Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 9): Now taking place online
“In the interest of keeping our communities healthy this May, we’re shifting the Loft’s 2020 Wordplay festival to a virtual celebration of books. … Wordplay goes multimedia for 2020, with live video, podcasts, visual arts, author Q&As, playlists, social media takeovers, and other creative content! We’ll be sharing these opportunities online throughout April and May, so you can celebrate #LoftWordplay all season long.” —Statement from organizers
Virginia Festival of the Book (Charlottesville, Virginia, March 18-22): Canceled
“In the rapidly evolving public health situation, where much is still unknown about the coronavirus, we do not feel that it is an acceptable risk to hold the 2020 Festival as planned. Unfortunately, given the way we operate, it is also not possible for the Festival to be rescheduled.” —Statement from organizers
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and Food Bowl (Los Angeles, California, March 14-15): Rescheduled for Oct. 3-4
“As we make plans to host the Festival of Books and Food Bowl in the fall, we will continue to monitor developments with the coronavirus in Southern California, and cross-reference with any guests who may be traveling to Southern California from affected areas to participate in our events.” —Statement from Los Angeles Times
Tucson Festival of Books (Tucson, Arizona, March 14-15): Canceled
“Amid concerns over the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) we have experienced more than 100 author cancellations; authors have expressed deep regret that they will not be able to spend the weekend with us. This has deeply affected our author panel schedule and we anticipate more changes and cancellations will be forthcoming. This leaves us with little or no way to plan for author panels or to communicate effectively with the public about those changes. … We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work with you over the next few weeks on sorting through the ramifications of this difficult decision.” —Statement from Tucson Festival of Books
London Book Fair (London, England, March 10-12): Canceled
“We have been following UK government guidelines and working with the rolling advice from the public health authorities and other organisations, and so it is with reluctance that we have taken the decision not to go ahead with this year’s event.” —Statement from organizer Reed Exhibitions
Taipei International Book Exhibition (Taipei, Taiwan, Feb. 4-9): Rescheduled for May 7-12
Leipzig Book Fair (Leipzig, Germany, March 12-15): Canceled
Organizers confirmed cancellation on Twitter.
Paris Book Fair (Paris, France, March 20-23): Canceled
“Following the government’s decision to forbid any gathering of more than 5,000 people in a closed space, it is with regret that we have taken the decision to cancel the 2020 edition of the Paris’ book fair.” —Statement from organizers
Bologna International Children’s Book Fair (Bologna, Italy, March 30-April 2): Rescheduled for May 4-7
“Given the situation, we felt we had to make this decision. It was not easy, but it was necessary out of respect for our visitors and exhibitors. We are well aware of all the problems this will bring, but are all the more committed to work harder and harder to make a great fair and fulfill all expectations.” —Exhibition manager Elena Pasoli’s statement to Publishers Weekly
