Welcome to WLIC 2026!
The 90th edition of IFLA’s World Library and Information Congress has officially begun!
On our first day, we welcomed over 3000 delegates from more than 100 countries to Busan. And among the attendees are more than 1000 Korean librarians!
The energy in the air was absolutely buzzing, whether you were at the opening ceremony, one of the many sessions throughout the day, the exhibition zone or just strolling around corridors.
There was a strong press presence, with several local journalists interviewing IFLA and local officials.
Follow our coverage on Instagram to catch the highlights as they happen, head over to Flickr to access professional photos, and read on for some key moments from the first day!
Opening Ceremony
The IFLA WLIC 2026 Busan opening ceremony was an exciting and colourful start to the congress. It has been exactly 20 years since WLIC was last hosted in South Korea, and our hosts made sure delegates will be talking about this congress for another 20 years!
The Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Chun Jae-soo ( 전재수) , along with other local high-level government and library officials offered a warm welcome to the delegates, each one highlighting the vital role libraries have to fulfill in upholding democracy, protecting access to information, advancing digital inclusion, and supporting climate resilience.
The audience was dazzled by performances by traditional Korean style singer Ha Yoon-joo and futuristic dance crew Saengdonggam, which celebrated different aspects of Korean culture.
Finally, in his keynote speech, member of the National Assembly Cha Ji-ho touched on a very timely discussion over AI and libraries, proposing its role as a public utility led not by private companies but by public institutions like libraries.
IFLA/James Bennett Public Library of the Year Award 2026
Mesa Gateway Library (USA) was awarded the IFLA/James Bennett Public Library of the Year 2026. 🎉
The award is presented to a library in any country worldwide which has excelled at combining open and functional architecture with creative IT solutions while at the same time involving digital technologies and local culture. Mesa Gateway Library, built in the Arizona desert and inspired by market halls from around the world, manages to combine sustainability, identity and technology.
We extend our congratulations to all libraries shortlisted for the award who’ve stood out as an inspiring example of how to completely transform an existing library building with a strong community-centred approach, as well as a wide range of sustainable features.
More Day One Sessions
Wherever your interests lie, there was something for everyone at the first day of WLIC 2026.
Accessible Audiovisual Libraries
Libraries should be able to serve any members of their communities, including those with visual or hearing impairments. The session presented a new set of guidelines for audiovisual materials in libraries, the inclusion of accessibility features in metadata, virtual library tours, and using technology to kick-start captions and transcripts for videos.
Global Connections Between Young Library Users through Webtoons, Manga, and More
Manga, webtoons, and graphic novels have a role to play in strengthening connections between young library users and more experienced librarians.
The session presented different tools and approaches to help librarians better understand young people’s interests, including resources developed with organisations such as the Nordic Manga Association.
These media formats can make libraries more attractive to younger audiences while still engaging long-time users, fostering intergenerational dialogue and collaboration in adapting library services to evolving reading cultures.
Connecting Initiatives on AI
AI seems to be everywhere, and libraries are no exception. It is important that information professionals, students, and general public are trained efficiently to deal with AI, especially keeping a focus on ethics: “AI doesn’t just happen to the library field; we have the knowledge, we have a saying, we should have a place at the table”.
A World of Flavours: Librarian Flash Mob in Busan!
Organised by the IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group (NPSIG), this WLIC flash mob was all about food!
Librarians gathered to read their favourite recipes aloud at beautiful Haeundae Beach, and reflected over the universal, unifying power of good food.
Meet our IFLA WLIC 2026 Emerging Leaders
Once again, IFLA is happy to be able to offer support for a range of emerging leaders to participate in our World Library and Information Congress. These individuals not only have the chance to engage and share their perspectives at the world’s most international library event, but will also bring home insights and lessons to their own work. Their participation is made possible through the generosity of the Gates Foundation, via Stichting IFLA Global Libraries.
Become an IFLA Member: benefit from our year-end membership offer by joining now!
Did you know that if you join NOW as an IFLA member or affiliate, you pay at the 2026 rate, and your fee will cover your membership for the rest of the year and all of 2027!
Read on to find out more about how to become an IFLA Member.
