“The Reinvention of Species” is the theme of the 3rd edition, which will take place at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon.
A plural debate on the future of books, literacy, and the publishing sector, at the intersection of knowledge, technology, and society.
Lisbon, April 29, 2025 - Promoted by APEL, BOOK 2.0 returns on September 3 and 4, 2025, this time at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, for another edition dedicated to reading, literacy, and the future of the publishing sector. Under the theme “The Reinvention of Species,” the event aims to promote a deep reflection on the challenges of reading and publishing in an era marked by digital transition, sustainability, and the need to strengthen literacy.
Centered on the theme “The Reinvention of Species,” the 2025 edition of BOOK 2.0 invites participants to reflect on how knowledge and literacy evolve and respond to the changes in today’s society. Inspired by the idea that evolution is about adaptation, the event highlights the impact of artificial intelligence, digital transition, and sustainability on the book sector. With the intersection of literature, science, and technology, this edition looks toward the future with the understanding that learning, adapting, and questioning are essential processes for building a more informed society.
“BOOK 2.0 is back to strengthen its mission of promoting reading rates, literacy, and education in Portugal, identifying and driving concrete actions that contribute to the social, economic, and cultural development of the country and its repositioning in the European and global context,” emphasizes Miguel Pauseiro, President of APEL.
An event at the intersection of literature, science, technology, and society
Built on the pillars of knowledge and literacy, BOOK 2.0 2025 creates room for interdisciplinary exchange, exploring how books, technology, and human thought intertwine in the creation of a more informed and conscious society. The choice of the Champalimaud Foundation as the venue for the event reinforces its commitment to innovation, research, and progress.
Throughout the two days, the importance of reading and literacy in society and the role of books in a transforming world will be discussed, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities for Portugal and the world.
Key topics will include literacy and the evolution of thought; the impact of artificial intelligence on editorial practices, reading habits, and the human brain; the path to sustainability, with a focus on the new European deforestation directive and responsible practices; the future of libraries and bookstores as spaces for culture, mediation, and innovation, highlighting national heritage; the promotion of the Portuguese language and literature - in a global and digital context; and education viewed through the lens of human potential, where books are key to a more critical, informed, and conscious society.
As in previous editions, the program will feature authors, experts, literary influencers, and policymakers, both national and international, fostering a plural and constructive debate. There will also be space for highlighting Portuguese culture and presenting the results of the national study on reading and book buying habits in Portugal, conducted by APEL since 2023.
2024 and 2023: two editions that marked the debate on books in Portugal
The 2024 edition brought together more than 600 participants at the Museu do Oriente in Lisbon, featuring 65 national and international speakers, the majority of whom were women (62%). The number of foreign participants grew (32%). This second edition was marked by reflections on humanizing leadership and the benefits books bring to help us thrive in an increasingly digital world, with a focus on mental health, the role of libraries, and the legacy of our history. The event also stood out for presenting, for the second consecutive year, unprecedented data on the buying and reading habits of the Portuguese, showing growth compared to 2023 when the study was launched.
In 2023, the inaugural edition of BOOK 2.0 took place at the National Coach Museum - Picadeiro Real in Belém, registering around 500 participants and over 60 national and international speakers. The first edition laid the foundation for a new approach to the future of reading and books, with a focus on sector digitization, new reading formats, and the importance of fostering reading from childhood.
Partners 2025: A collective mission for the future of books, reading, and literacy
The 2025 edition of BOOK 2.0 has the High Patronage of His Excellency the Presidente da República Portuguesa, with the support of Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Turismo de Lisboa, Plano Nacional de Leitura, Rede de Bibliotecas de Lisboa – BLX, International Publishers Association, World Literacy Foundation, Federation of European Publishers, European and International Booksellers Federation, Clube das Mulheres Escritoras, e Altis Belém, Its strategic partner and producer is Vanilla Project – Inspiring Change.
BOOK 2.0 #TheFutureofReading is undoubtedly the largest event discussing the future of books, literacy, and education in Portugal and Europe.
Uma iniciativa da APEL
Promoted by APEL – Associação Portuguesa de Editores e Livreiros, BOOK 2.0 serves as a privileged meeting point to think about books and their role in a transforming society.
BOOK 2.0 will take place on 3 and 4 September 2025, at the Champalimaud Foundation auditorium in Lisbon, in parallel with Festa do Livro em Belém, a Presidential initiative in partnership with APEL, reinforcing the central role of books in the national cultural agenda.
APEL’s mission is to promote the sustainable development of the book sector in Portugal, defend authors' rights, editorial diversity, the continuous qualification of industry professionals, and carry out the necessary actions to promote the editorial, distribution, and bookselling activities, both nationally and internationally, that collectively benefit the rights holders represented by the association.
BOOK 2.0 Website and Social Media
Website - https://book.apel.pt/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/book2.0_apel/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/book20apel/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/book20apel/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Book2.0_APEL
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@apel_book
Promo Video 2025
For more information, contact:
Tânia Miguel – tania.miguel@lift.com.pt +351 918 270 387
Raquel Campos – raquel.campos@lift.com.pt +351 918 654 931
