Aerial view of London with Big Ben and Westminster Bridge under a cloudy sky at sunset. Text: IFLA WLIC 2027 Announced. London, United Kingdom

The Hague, Netherlands – 23 October 2024 – The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has selected London, United Kingdom to host the 2027 World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in August 2027.

What started in Edinburgh in 1927 continues on to London in 2027!

2027 is IFLA’s Centenary year, marking 100 years since the original 15 library associations came together to create the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. From that moment in 1927, a global movement for libraries and librarians was born; one that continues to champion knowledge, librarianship and global library community. How fitting that IFLA WLIC 2027 brings us back to the country where it all began! It is also 150 years since the founding of our UK hosts, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

“London is the perfect stage for the global library community to come together to celebrate #IFLA100. As a vibrant international hub of innovation, culture, and learning, London offers an inspiring setting to celebrate our history and look forward to the future of the library and information field. We can’t wait to welcome the world to London!”

― Leslie Weir, IFLA President and Sharon Memis, IFLA Secretary General

IFLA WLIC 2027 also marks the first time in exactly 25 years that we last held a Congress in the United Kingdom, when we celebrated IFLA’s 75th anniversary in Glasgow in 2002.

“On behalf of all CILIP members and the whole UK sector we are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the global library and information profession to London and across the UK in 2027. What an opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world and to showcase our own good practice. We can’t wait to put together the National Committee focused on a welcoming event showcasing the very best of what we have to offer, from our profession as well as wider UK culture in all its rich diversity. We’ve always been proud of our IFLA membership number #001 and what better way to celebrate than a big joint birthday party. See you in London in 2027!”

― Louis Coiffait-Gunn (CEO) and Kate Robinson (Chair) of CILIP

IFLA100 in London

Stay tuned! Starting next year, we will organise a series of future-focused events featuring inspiring speakers and thinkers who will challenge and energise us to think boldly about the library and information field in IFLA’s second century. These events will culminate in London, a truly global hub for people and ideas.

Watch for more!

We will be sharing more about plans for WLIC 2027 in the coming months and at the 2026 World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, so be sure to stop by and meet the delegation representing the next WLIC! We also look forward to welcoming colleagues from the United Kingdom to the 2026 Congress in Busan.

Register your interest now for IFLA WLIC 2027 and stay up-to-date with the latest news regarding the 2027 Congress by subscribing to the IFLA Newsletter. Follow #WLIC2027 and #IFLA100 on social media.

Press inquiries for CILIP can be directed to [email protected] and all other inquiries for CILIP about the event to [email protected].