CILIP is delighted to announce that the most prestigious international library event – The World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) – will take place in London and across the UK in 2027 after a successful bid by a partnership led by CILIP.

In 1927, the original 15 international library associations came together in Edinburgh to create the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), starting a global movement for libraries.

We are incredibly proud that the UK has been chosen by IFLA as the location for WLIC 2027, to coincide with IFLA’s and the Congress’s 100th anniversary celebrations, and also in a year that marks the 150th anniversary of our own founding as the Library Association. While much of the multi-day Congress will take place at the Excel Centre in East London, there will be events held across the capital and all four UK Nations.

WLIC attracts thousands of librarians from across the world. This year delegates from 110 countries gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan. In 2026, it will take place in Busan, South Korea. 2027 is expected to attract over four thousand delegates.

CILIP, Excel London, and London & Partners (the city's Convention Bureau) collaborated as bidding partners, with support from: Arts Council England; British Council; British Library; Department for Culture, Media and Sport; Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office; Google; House of Commons Library; JISC; Mayor of London Sadiq Khan; Ministry of Defence; public libraries Minister Baroness Twycross; and the Publishers Association.

Leslie Weir (IFLA President) and Sharon Memis (IFLA Secretary General) said:

“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!”

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

“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!”

In a statement IFLA said:

“How fitting that WLIC 2027 brings us back to the country where it all began! I It 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, including a welcome message from the late CILIP Patron HM Queen Elizabeth II.”

We will keep you informed between now and 2027 as the IFLA WLIC 2027 programme comes together.

Press inquiries for CILIP can be directed to press@cilip.org.uk and all other inquiries for CILIP about the event to wlic2027@cilip.org.ukwlic2027@cilip.org.uk.