The Network was launched in 2004, and now has member cities in seven creative fields. The other creative fields are: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Media Arts, and Music.[1]
Criteria for Cities of Literatureedit
To be approved as a City of Literature, cities need to meet a number of criteria set by UNESCO.[2]
Designated UNESCO Cities of Literature share similar characteristics:
Quality, quantity, and diversity of publishing in the city
Quality and quantity of educational programmes focusing on domestic or foreign literature at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels
Literature, drama, and/or poetry playing an important role in the city
Hosting literary events and festivals, which promote domestic and foreign literature
Existence of libraries, bookstores, and public or private cultural centres, which preserve, promote, and disseminate domestic and foreign literature
Involvement by the publishing sector in translating literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature
Active involvement of traditional and new media in promoting literature and strengthening the market for literary products
Cities submit bids to UNESCO to be designated a City of Literature. The designations are monitored and reviewed every four years by UNESCO.
Ljubljana runs their Library Under the Treetops at various locations across the city, including Tivoli City Park and Zvezda Park. These sites offer a selection of book genres and several domestic and foreign newspapers and magazines.[5]
There are fifty three Cities of Literature, spanning thirty-nine countries and six continents.
Twenty-four of the represented cities are European, seven are Asian, and three are North American. Oceania and South America is represented by two cities each, while Africa is to have one designated city.
Eight countries have two designated cities, while the UK has five.