Kerala Legislature International Book Festival (KLIBF)

About this place

The Kerala Legislature International Book Festival (KLIBF) is a unique annual literary and cultural festival organized by the Kerala Legislative Assembly at its historic Legislative Assembly Complex in Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. Recognized as one of India's distinctive public book festivals, KLIBF combines literature, democratic values, education, culture, and public engagement by transforming the Assembly premises into an open space where readers, writers, publishers, students, scholars, and citizens come together to celebrate books and the exchange of ideas. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a major cultural event in Kerala's literary calendar, reflecting the state's long-standing reading culture and its commitment to promoting knowledge, informed public discourse, and lifelong learning. Unlike conventional book fairs, KLIBF offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience the functioning and heritage of the Kerala Legislative Assembly while participating in a week-long programme of literary, educational, and cultural activities. The fourth edition of the festival was held from 7 to 13 January 2026 with free public entry at the Kerala Legislative Assembly Complex in Thiruvananthapuram, welcoming readers and visitors from across Kerala and beyond. Organized by the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the festival featured more than 250 book stalls representing nearly 180 to 200 publishers, showcasing an extensive collection of Malayalam, English, and other Indian language publications across genres including literature, history, politics, science, children's books, academic works, biographies, art, culture, and contemporary non-fiction. Spread across six dedicated venues within the Assembly complex, including the R. Sankaranarayanan Thampi Lounge, Members' Lounge, and a specially designed Students' Corner, the festival created multiple spaces for learning, discussion, and interaction. Throughout the event, visitors participated in daily public lectures, panel discussions, book launches, author interactions, debates, and cultural programmes featuring eminent writers, scholars, journalists, public intellectuals, artists, and policymakers from India and abroad. The Students' Corner hosted educational sessions, interactive activities, and programmes encouraging young readers to develop an interest in literature, civic awareness, and democratic participation. Another distinctive feature of KLIBF is its integration of Kerala's cultural heritage with literary programming, with performances, exhibitions, and traditional art forms complementing the festival's intellectual discussions. Visitors were also given guided access to important institutional landmarks within the Assembly premises, including the historic Legislative Assembly Hall and the Legislative Museum, providing a deeper understanding of Kerala's democratic history and parliamentary traditions. This unique combination of literature and legislative heritage distinguishes KLIBF from other book festivals by encouraging citizens to engage with both books and democratic institutions in a meaningful way. The festival also serves as a valuable platform for publishers, independent authors, educational institutions, and cultural organizations to connect directly with readers while promoting reading habits and intellectual exchange across generations. The official theme of KLIBF emphasizes the importance of books as instruments of knowledge, creativity, critical thinking, and social progress, reinforcing Kerala's reputation as one of India's most literate states. According to the organizers, the fourth edition continued the festival's tradition of creating an inclusive public space where literature, politics, education, culture, and civic engagement intersect through discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and community participation. As a recurring literary festival, each edition introduces new themes, speakers, publishers, exhibitions, and cultural programmes while maintaining its core objective of making literature and knowledge accessible to the public. Official schedules, participating publishers, author sessions, cultural programmes, exhibitions, student activities, visitor guidelines, and special events are announced by the Kerala Legislative Assembly for every edition through the official Kerala Legislature International Book Festival portal. Visitors planning to attend future editions are encouraged to refer to the official festival website for updated information regarding dates, venues, programme schedules, exhibitions, registrations, and other event-related announcements.

🚆 Railway: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station / Kochuveli Railway Station

✈️ Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

🚌 Bus: Statue Bus Stop / Palayam Bus Stop / Thampanoor KSRTC Bus Terminal

🏨 Stay: Hotels, business stays, and serviced apartments available near Statue, Palayam, and Vazhuthacaud areas

✅ Notes: Kerala Legislature International Book Festival…