European Children's and Young Adult Book Fair Saarbrücken

A Fair That Shapes Generations

Since 1997, the European Children's and Young Adult Book Fair Saarbrücken has been a fixed date in the cultural calendar of Saarland — and far beyond. What began as a small initiative in the spirit of Franco-German friendship has become one of the most important platforms for children's and young adult literature in the German-speaking world. The motto "Books Build Bridges" runs like a common thread through every edition: The fair is not intended to be a mere sales show, but a meeting place where languages, generations, and perspectives come together.

The Concept: Experiencing Reading, Not Consuming

In the Eurobahnhof quarter — directly at Saarbrücken main station and in the KuBa cultural center — a dense program of readings, workshops, discussion rounds, illustration workshops, and encounters unfolds over four days. The centerpiece is the large book exhibition with the characteristic "book islands": thematically curated islands where children and young people can immerse themselves in the world of books, browse, read, and marvel. Publishers from all over Europe present their new releases, authors are available for discussions, and the book becomes an experience in the hands-on activities at the publisher stands.

German-French Youth Literature Prize

An annual highlight is the awarding of the German-French Youth Literature Prize. The award honors outstanding translations and original works that promote understanding between France and Germany — a tribute to Saarbrücken's special geographical and cultural location right on the border with Lorraine. With the award ceremony on Friday evening, the fair also focuses on the craft of translation, which often remains invisible in children's and young adult literature.

A Program for Every Age

The fair is aimed at children from preschool age, school classes, young people, and adults who convey reading — parents, teachers, librarians. In the mornings, school classes from all over Saarland and the Grand Est region fill the KuBa, while families come in the afternoons and on weekends. Picture book cinemas, poetry performances, writing workshops, illustration courses, and multilingual readings — the spectrum is broad and consistently European in focus.

The Location: Saarbrücken as a Bridge City

It is no coincidence that this book fair takes place in Saarbrücken, the state capital of Saarland (Regionalverband Saarbrücken). The city sees itself as a bridge between Germany and France — and the book fair aims to embody this bridging function literarily. The Eurobahnhof quarter, an urban district with the KuBa cultural center as its anchor, has been the home of the fair for years.

Admission and Accessibility

Admission to the book fair is traditionally free, underscoring the low-threshold access to literature. Readings with prominent authors and certain workshops may require advance registration. The fairgrounds are accessible with few barriers, and special registration options are available for school classes through the administrative office.

A European Vision

With guests from France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and many other countries, the fair is a living piece of European cultural policy. At a time when multilingualism and cultural understanding are more important than ever, the European Children's and Young Adult Book Fair makes a contribution that shines far beyond Saarland.