A major celebration for independent bookstores returns across Greece

From May 25 to 30, independent bookstores across Greece and Cyprus once again open their doors for a week dedicated to stories, encounters, and the power of community. Small Bookstores Week returns for its fifth edition, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant spaces of culture and creative exchange.

With more than 140 independent bookstores participating this year, the initiative continues to highlight the important role these spaces play in the everyday life of cities and local communities. Book presentations, workshops, storytelling sessions, activities for children, and conversations with authors and creators shape a rich program addressed to readers of all ages.

Under the theme “Bookstores in Action,” this year’s edition focuses on the social and cultural role of independent bookstores as spaces of participation, dialogue, and collective experience. Beyond their regular literary events, many bookstores will host discussions around social issues, solidarity initiatives, book collections, and awareness activities, reaffirming that the independent bookstore remains a living meeting point within the city.

At a time when human connection and local communities feel more important than ever, small bookstores function not only as places dedicated to books, but also as refuges for dialogue, imagination, and meaningful interaction. They are spaces where readers meet creators, where stories are passed from hand to hand, and where reading becomes a shared experience.

The full program and the list of participating bookstores are available on the official website of Small Bookstores Week.