International library congress comes to Rotterdam in 2021

The congress of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) will take place 19-26 August 2021 at the new Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center. During the congress, participants will visit leading, innovative libraries in the Netherlands. Also, a number of activities will be organized at various locations around the country and in host city Rotterdam. The yearly IFLA WLIC congress will bring app. 5,000 delegates from some 135 countries to Rotterdam.

Collaboration of library organisations

“Let’s work together in Rotterdam!” is the title of the bid with which collaborating partners Library of Rotterdam, National Library of the Netherlands, Vereniging van Openbare Bibliotheken, Stichting Samenwerkende POI’s Nederland, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam Library and Rotterdam Partners won the bid for hosting IFLA2021.

The excellent congress location (Rotterdam Ahoy), the strong connection between the event and the city and the support of a strong national, regional and local network of library organisations and governments were important factors in the choice for Rotterdam.

Promotional video for the Rotterdam bid:

Libraries and inclusive societies

At the core of the IFLA congress will be the  IFLA Global Vision goals. This vision document describes how libraries worldwide can contribute to inclusive societies. Main subjects that will be discussed and explored during the congress will be personal growth, stimulating reading, the development of language and digital skills, free access to culture, (digital) knowledge and information.

For the full (Dutch) press release, please check this page.