London is set to welcome the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in August 2027, marking the first time in 25 years that the event will take place in the UK capital.
Following a successful bid coordinated by the London Convention Bureau in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and Excel London, the prestigious annual Congress, organised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), is expected to draw over 4,000 delegates from more than 130 countries, bringing together industry leaders such as policy-makers, academics and publishers from across the globe.
2027 will be a landmark year for IFLA as it celebrates its centenary – 100 years of advancing the library and information profession, championing equitable access to knowledge, and fostering collaboration across borders. The London Congress will serve as the centrepiece of these centennial celebrations, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on IFLA’s legacy and envision the next century of library innovation and impact.
Suzanne Singleton, Head of Associations and City Wide bids at London Convention Bureau, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome the World Library and Information Congress in 2027. Hosting such a prestigious event for the global library and information community is a real honour and reinforces London’s reputation as a world leader in culture, education, and innovation. Our city is home to a rich mix of culture and creativity – a fitting backdrop for a congress dedicated to knowledge and access to information.”
The WLIC is widely recognised as the world’s leading annual event for the global library and information community. Each year, it provides a dynamic platform for professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and shape the future of libraries in an era of digital transformation, open access, and evolving community needs.
Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CILIP CEO, and Kate Robinson, CILIP Chair, said: “On behalf of CILIP’s members and the entire UK library and information community, we are delighted to welcome the global profession to London, and across the UK in 2027. We are deeply grateful to the London Convention Bureau for their invaluable support in bringing our bid to life. This will be a remarkable opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world, share our own best practices, 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 in our new ICC Maritime Suite and Halls. 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.”
