The 20th Guadalajara Book Fair (Feria Internacional del Libro, or FIL)—the most important event for the Spanish-language book market, organized by the University of Guadalajara in Mexico—will take place from November 25 to December 3. So far, 215 American Library Association (ALA) members have applied for the 200 "Free Pass" slots available via a program sponsored by FIL and ALA, which covers most of the costs.

Literary personalities from all over the world will be present at the different FIL activities, including Elena Poniatowska, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, Santiago Roncagliolo, Laura Esquivel, Jorge Volpi, and many others. Carlos Monsiváis will receive the Premio de Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe.

This year's FIL will host more than 1500 international publishers and offer an array of activities for U.S. librarians. On Sunday 26, ALA members are invited to attend a free gala dinner—hosted by a group of publishers, U.S. distributors, and Críticas—at 8:00 p.m. at the Presidente Intercontinental hotel. A cocktail event will take place on Monday, November 27, at 11:30 a.m., where librarians will learn about general activities and the advantages of the Salón del Libro (book salon). The event will take place at the Meeting Point.

At the Salón del Libro, librarians can view 4500 of the most interesting materials—selected by experts on library acquisition—in one place, a selection that will reflect high quality as well as the latest trends that respond to U.S. libraries' interests. The titles gathered for this year's Salón del Libro will be included in an online catalog available throughout the year. Two Nobel prize winners will be present in the Salón: Nadine Gordimer and José Saramago. Dutch author Cees Notebum will be the closing speaker.

The V International Forum of Editors, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday will be of special interest this year. The featured topic is "The Libraries' System in the American Continent: Current Situation and Strengthening Strategies." Technology, legislation, outreach, and training in libraries will be among the topics discussed. Events will take place at the Hilton Hotel.

The Spanish region of Andalucia is this year's guest of honor. More than 90 Andalucian writers will participate in a literary program that will pay special attention to the literature of exile and to the cultural relationship between Andalucia and Mexico.

Visit www.fil.com.mx/ingles/i_index.asp for updated information on FIL's programs.