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The passion for books is a timeless sentiment that transcends cultures and generations. It is one of the most enriching and gratifying feelings that surpasses time and space, allowing us to travel through unknown worlds, explore different cultures, and experience diverse adventures. We open the pages of a book and find ourselves immersed in stories that make us laugh, cry, reflect, and dream, where each book and each page turned is a door to a unique universe, created by the brilliant mind of an author.”

Silvia Rodriguez
Executive Director of Book 2.0 

The Portuguese Association of Publishers and Booksellers (APEL) has the purpose, as its mission, to promote the sustainable development of the Book sector in Portugal, to defend copyright, to support editorial diversity, to continuously qualify industry professionals, and to take all of the actions necessary to promote editorial, distribution, and bookselling activities, both nationally and internationally, for the collective benefit of rights holders represented by the association.

APEL aims to encourage the production and promotion of literary works in the Portuguese language, published in Portugal in their various formats, contributing to ensure universal access to books and reading. Additionally, its goal is to promote an increase in the literacy level of our society.

Through various partnerships and collaborations with diverse stakeholders, whether public or private, the Association seeks to ensure the presence of Portuguese books on the international stage and drives the discussion on challenges and opportunities. This proactive approach seeks to prepare the sector for anticipated innovations and technological transformations in the future.

Learn about some of the initiatives of APEL

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We are at a decisive moment for the book sector in Portugal. The sustained growth of the book market and the international recognition of BOOK 2.0 show that we are creating a model that is relevant, replicable and valuable for other regions. We are actively working towards bringing BOOK 2.0 to another European capital in the near future, in partnership with that city. The aim is to strengthen international cooperation within the publishing sector and to position reading as a shared cultural cause across Europe.
Miguel Pauseiro
Former president of APEL

In 2023, APEL launched the first edition of BOOK 2.0 #The Future of Reading at the National Coach Museum. This was followed by the Museum of the Orient in 2024 and the Champalimaud Foundation in 2025, bringing the BOOK 2.0 community together around the future of books and reading.

In 2026, BOOK 2.0 reached its fourth edition, held on 15 and 16 September at the Belém Cultural Centre. Under the theme “Back to Basics. Back to Books.”, it brought together national and international voices to reaffirm the essential role of books and reading in education, culture and society.

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