Belize Book Sector Network

Belize Book Sector Network (BBSN)
Book Week 2026
Literary Evening
April 23, 2026
World Book and Copyright Day
Mexican Cultural Institute
Belize City, Belize

The final activity by the BBSN for Book Week 2026 was the Literary Evening. Belize’s Chief Librarian, Ms. Lusiola Castillo, awarded the first place winner in the adult category, Ms. Jomarie Lanza, for her entry in the Belize National Library Service and Information System’s 90th Anniversary Poetry Competition. This was followed by the reading of a short story by the visiting Mexican author, Dr. Claudia Cabrera. Co-featured Belizean authors Ms. Brenda Herrera, Ms. Khaila Gentle and Mr. Wilford Felix, read or recited poems on various themes.

The audience enjoyed Kriol drumming and songs by Sankofa Kriol Cultural Heritage group during the interlude and at the end of the event.

During the open mic, Ms. Felene Cayetano (BBSN President) and Ms. Lanza read their poems from the Womxn in Art 2026 book. Mr. Devon Jones and Mr. NJah (last year’s co-featured poet at Book Week 2025) shared thought-provoking social commentary poems. As anticipated, it was a multilingual interdisciplinary cultural event.
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Poetry Night at the Turton Library Center!✨️

Come enjoy an evening g of heartfelt spoken word, creative expression, and community vibes.

Date: April 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m
Let your words take shape.
Come be entertained and connect with your community!

Belize Book Sector Network
Book Week 2026 - Book Fair
House of Culture, Belize City
Day 2 - World Book and Copyright Day
April 23, 2026

Local and international books, meet the author sessions, book-related skit, Kriol poetry and storytelling, traditional and educational games, history discussion.

Belize Book Sector Network
Book Week 2026
17th Annual Book Fair
Belize City House of Culture
Day 1

Photos of the first panel discussion of the day, stakeholder tables/activities, author talks, books, jazz and watercolor painting.

Do you love reading? What is a book you would recommend?

There's a Book Fair is happening right now at the House of Culture in Belize City, and it is open to everyone, readers, writers, and aspiring authors alike. Tap the link in the comments to read more👇


Spotted something? Reach our tip line: 672-5555

The first Book Week 2026 event is tonight at 6p.m. Belize Time with the 5th Anniversary of Hoal Lang Bench - quarterly Zoom networking for Belizean creatives at home or abroad. 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂

Let’s celebrate 5 years of encouraging, information sharing and meaningfully connecting with each other! 🥳🎉🥳

The Belize Book Sector Network (BBSN) annual Book Week 2026 Book Fair will be held on April 22 and 23 at the Belize City House of Culture.

The Book Fair starts at 9 a.m. with an Opening Ceremony, followed by exciting panel discussions, Meet the Author sessions, along with books from Belizean and international publishers, educational games for all ages and more!

Belize Book Sector Network (BBSN)
Book Week 2026
Literary Evening April 23, 2026, 7 p.m. at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Belize City will feature poetry and prose reading by:

Ms. Brenda Herrera
Ms. Claudia Cabrera (Mexican author)
Ms. Khaila Gentle
Mr. Wilford Félix

With live music from Belizean and Mexican musicians.

he Belize Book Sector Network is proud to be at FILEY (Feria Internacional de la Lectura Yucatán) in Mérida, Mexico, showcasing a selection of Belizean books to readers from across the region.

If you’re visiting the fair, we invite you to stop by our booth, explore the stories coming out of Belize, and say hello. We’d love to meet fellow book lovers and share a glimpse of Belize’s vibrant literary scene with you.