• Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
  21st Book Breakfast: We’re celebrating James Krüss’s 100th birthday!

James Krüss was born on May 31, 100 years ago. At our 21st Book Breakfast, we’ll celebrate the birthday of this great author and poet with you! Actor Helge Heynold will read excerpts and poems from “My Great-Grandfather and I.” This classic children’s book was awarded the German Literature Prize in 1960. It’s a wonderful story about an old lobster fisherman who can weave words like a master, a boy who discovers language through verse, about poems and stories where the ABC plays a very special role, and about Heligoland, full of lovable characters. Kids love rhymes and playing with language—it’s fun for everyone. A morning for fans of all ages and anyone who wants to get to know James Krüss.

With a chat, a delicious breakfast, and a chance to browse through many great James Krüss books.
Registration at postbuechergilde-mainzde
Admission €9 (children), €15 (adults)

• Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10 a.m.
  World Record Reading – Largest Read-Aloud in La-Ola Format and Launch of the “Books in Motion” Campaign in Cooperation with the International Gutenberg Society and Leseratten-Service GmbH

Leseratten-Service GmbH invites schools, in cooperation with 1. FSV Mainz 05, SWR 1 Rhineland-Palatinate, and children’s and young adult author Stefan Gemmel, to the World Reading Record event at the MEWA Arena! Anyone who cannot attend on this day and/or feels more comfortable in a smaller setting is cordially invited to the 25th Mainz Book Fair, where Stefan Gemmel will not only read but also sign autographs and books afterward.

• Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
  Literaturwerk Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar e.V. is turning 50 and celebrating with an Authors’ Festival!

A wonderful reason to celebrate, we think. Together with sponsors and patrons, we’ve put together a fantastic program to which both members and the general public with an interest in literature are invited. The celebration will take place in the Bullay train station hall on the Moselle, where Rhein-Mosel-Verlag is based. Of course, the literary aspect shouldn’t be neglected. That’s why everyone who would like to participate is invited to a moderated five-minute reading from their books. (opens in a new tab)

• Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.
  Lyric Own Voice, Sandra M. Niggemann, “Echoes of Silence”

Poignant, analytical texts from the poetry of Sandra M. Niggemann, a nearly deaf-blind artist who seeks the greatest possible lyrical expression through sparse language. The hidden poetry in the gaps is captivating. The afternoon on the memorable grounds of the former NATO ammunition depot (B05 Art and Culture Center Montabaur) offers intellectual inspiration for listening to the silence around us. What is it like to trace our own inner silence, if we allow ourselves to do so?

There are wise moments of silence and others when it is important to raise one’s voice against injustice. Sandra M. Niggemann most recently worked as a social scientist at the German Institute for Human Rights. She advocates for a diverse society and diversity in the arts.

• Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
  10th Anniversary of the VHS "Schreiben!" Group with Gabriele Keiser

Presentation of the anthology "Treffpunkt Andernach," Im Breitholz, 56626 Andernach-Eich. Literaturwerk also specifically promotes the literary work and artistic activities of the association’s members. Seminars and workshops, continuing education, and mutual exchange are essential elements of this. Gabriele Keiser has been leading a writing group at the VHS Andernach for several years now. Since 2019, the work of the group—comprising writers and visual artists—has been supported by Literaturwerk.

• Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
  “Sisters” – Reading with author Thomas von Steinaecker

Bettina grows up with her older sister Simone in rural Bavaria. They spend their afternoons between the carp pond and the vacant house next door.
Early on, Bettina takes on responsibility for Simone, who has had an intellectual disability since birth. But Bettina dreams of becoming an actress and soon realizes that if she wants to live her own life, she must break away from her family. In his unmistakable style, Thomas von Steinaecker recounts three pivotal days in Bettina’s life—artfully crafted and deeply moving. A novel about closeness and distance, and the courage to find one’s own voice.

• Friday, September 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  “Vice, Passion & the Mainz Spirit”: Crime Tour with Peter Jackob

From book to crime tour: Mainz from an investigator’s perspective. Crime writer Peter Jackob leads a tour through the Old Town together with his (fictional) detective Schack Bekker—featuring readings, subtle humor, and a glimpse into the city’s quirkier sides. The tour also explores the creation of his novels: settings, characters, and research come to life along the way—an entertaining mix of crime fiction, city tour, and workshop discussion. Registration required.

• Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
  “111 Places: Upper Town Meets Old Town” – Guided City Tour with Stefanie Jung

From book to city tour: Stefanie Jung, author and founder of “Best of Mainz | City Tours and More,” invites you to an anniversary tour: Under the theme “111 Places: Upper Town Meets Old Town,” she will showcase 11 selected locations from her best-selling book—surprising, personal, and quintessentially Mainz. At the same time, you’ll get a lively glimpse behind the scenes. A stroll through places, texts, and the joy of discovery—culminating in a delightful conclusion at the Kirschgarten. Registration required.

• Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
  Brigitta Dewald-Koch reads from *The Journey to Venice*

In her latest novel, Brigitta Dewald-Koch tells the story of Ruth, who, after her husband’s death, learns that he had been harboring a long-held secret. She plunges into a deep crisis, but then decides to travel to Venice to resolve the unanswered questions she faces. With her story, Brigitta Dewald-Koch offers encouragement to many women who are facing a crisis and aims to empower them to embrace and tackle changes in their lives.

• Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
  Sven Regener, the 2026 Mainz City Writer, will read from his new novel at the State Theater

It is tradition for the Mainz City Writer to read at the Mainz Book Fair. Due to the high profile of this year’s award winner and the large crowd expected, we will be guests this year at the Main Hall of the Mainz State Theater. Tickets are available at the theater box office. (opens in a new tab)