Book exhibitions for Freedom of Expression Week from May 3 to 10, 2025
Freedom of Expression Week is taking place for the fifth time from May 3 to 10.
Under the motto "Arguing? Absolutely!", almost 70 partners are addressing the topic in a wide variety of ways at over 90 events across Germany: In addition to a wide range of readings, panel discussions, webinars and lectures, among other things, there are various exhibitions, presentations, writing competitions for schoolchildren and other activities that also take the appeal into the public sphere and appeal to a younger generation in particular. This year, Freedom of Expression Week has been very well received by the book trade, which is taking part with campaign tables, window displays and events. Libraries are also bringing the campaign to regional and local areas with more than 30 events. As part of Freedom of Expression Week, events will be held in over 30 locations throughout Germany.
The University Library in Görlitz and Zittau are each hosting a small media exhibition on the topics of diversity, democratic processes and opinion-forming.
Controversy is the oxygen of democracy. Doubt, curiosity, contradiction, the prerequisites for thinking and understanding. Talking and discussing with each other are the prerequisites for understanding in society. A culture of debate is indispensable. Because arguing brings insight and is constructive.
”In cooperation with the Frankfurter Agenturallianz, the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels launched the Freedom of Expression Week in 2021 to promote the importance of diversity of opinion. Since 2024, the Freedom of Expression Foundation established by the Börsenverein has been organizing the campaign week with the support of its cooperation partners and sponsors. Freedom of Expression Week has so far reached over 500 million people through its campaign and was awarded the International German PR Prize in 2022.
