Public forum intended for the presentation and connection of stakeholders within Celje as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature was held on 20. 1. 2026 in the Study Reading Room of the Central Library of Celje. It was intended for all literary creators and actors in the field of literature in Celje, as well as all lovers of literature and the wider interested public. We are pleased that the event was attended by as many as 40 participants from various fields of literary creation and activity in Celje: most were writers and poets, but we also recorded numerous translators, publishers, members of literary societies and representatives of cultural institutions and activities.

The public forum was moderated by Samo Seničar, Deputy Mayor of the City of Celje, Polonca Bajc Napret, Director of the Central Library of Celje, and Ana Veronika Popovič. The public forum was also attended by Gregor Deleja, Director of the Municipal Administration, and Bojan Cvelfar, Head of the Department for Social Activities.

The public forum was primarily intended to present the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and to gather initial ideas about Celje's activities as a Creative City of Literature. The discussion focused on opportunities for cooperation at the local level, as well as on possibilities for international cooperation with other UNESCO Creative Cities, and on promoting and encouraging the development of reading culture, especially among young readers. We also talked about respecting and building on the rich literary tradition in Celje, while at the same time discovering and encouraging fresh, new ideas and approaches. The first foundations have been laid, and we now look forward to further cooperation and networking within the Celje UNESCO Creative City of Literature.

You can read more about the project and activities at connection, for additional questions and information please write to the official e-mail address: cityofliterature@celje.si.