“Books are our memory and our imagination; through them we learn to understand others and ourselves.” This conviction has shaped the life and work of Alberto Manguel—writer, essayist, editor, and one of the foremost champions of reading in our time. From his early years reading aloud to Jorge Luis Borges to his tenure as Director of the National Library of the Argentine Republic and his extensive body of essays, Manguel has consistently defended reading as an experience of freedom, reflection, and human connection.

As the opening event of the new cultural season and within the framework of the 2026 European Day of Jewish Culture, Centro Sefarad-Israel pays tribute to one of the leading figures of contemporary literature and thought. Joining the conversation will be distinguished writers and friends of the honouree, including Irene Vallejo, Enrique Vila-Matas, and Jorge Volpi, who will reflect on Manguel’s intellectual journey, his legacy, and the enduring relevance of his work.

Under the theme “Love”, which inspires this year's edition of the European Day of Jewish Culture, Centro Sefarad-Israel dedicates this event to the love of books as an expression of knowledge, curiosity, and mutual understanding. Alberto Manguel’s career exemplifies a profound commitment to the written word as a shared cultural heritage and as a powerful means of broadening our perspective on the world while bringing people and cultures closer together.

Free admission until full capacity is reached.