London is set to welcome the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in August 2027. This marks the first time in 25 years that the event will be held in the UK capital.
The successful bid was coordinated by the London Convention Bureau in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and Excel London. The annual congress is organised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), and is expected to draw over 4,000 delegates from 130 countries.
The landmark year of 2027 for IFLA will see it celebrate its centenary – 100 years of advancing the library and information profession. The London congress will serve as the centrepiece of these centennial celebrations.
Suzanne Singleton, head of Associations and City Wide bids at London Convention Bureau, said: “Hosting such a prestigious event for the global library and information community is a real honour.”
Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CILIP CEO, and Kate Robinson, CILIP chair, said: “This will be a remarkable opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world, share our own best practice, and showcase the rich setting and world-leading institutions of a city steeped in history, culture, and knowledge. As CILIP marks its 150th anniversary and IFLA celebrates its 100th, London will be the perfect stage for an extraordinary joint celebration – a birthday party with every member of our profession around the world invited.”
Samantha Shamkh, assistant director of sales at Excel London who also played a pivotal role in the bid process, said: “From the city’s rich culture through to its world-class connectivity, London is the perfect stage for the global library community and everyone at Excel London is honoured WLIC has chosen to host their landmark centenary event with us. “We also look forward to helping the WLIC team explore legacy projects and engaging with the local community, in particular one of Excel’s official charity partners the Custom House Bookshop.”