Ferran Garcia's novel 'Sau' took the top prize in Catalan literature at the Premi Llibreter 2026, one of Catalonia's most respected literary awards. The announcement came as Catalan bookstores rallied to defend their place in the cultural field and protect independent shops from growing commercial pressures.
In the Other Literatures category, Rita Bullwinkel won for 'Golpe de luz-Copde llum', published by Sexto Piso and Segona Perifèria. 'Cartes imprevistes', a collaboration between Tina Vallès and illustrator Mercè Galí, took the prize for Catalan Children's and Young Adult Literature. The award for Children's and Young Adult Literature from Other Literatures went to 'El gigante de hierro-El gegant de ferro' by the late Ted Hughes, illustrated by Chris Mould. Pieter van hen Heuvel won the Illustrated Album award for 'El rincón de pensar-El racó depensar', translated by Maria Rosich. Marina Garcés was honored in Essay, Thought and Other Narratives for 'La pasión de los extraños-La passió dels estranys'.
Member bookstores of the Gremi de Llibreries de Catalunya voted for all the winners. The guild has organized the Llibreter awards for 27 years. This year's ceremony, held under the slogan 'Combate la distopía. Escoge la librería', also called for action against practices that threaten the future of independent bookstores. Organizers urged support for the book supply chain and resistance to trends that undermine local shops.
The guild's wider work includes initiatives to promote reading. In 2026, its “Fas 6 anys, tria un llibre” campaign offered children a book voucher. Participating El Corte Inglés bookstores were among those taking part, and the campaign deadline was November 30. Reported by 3Cat, the initiative reflects a separate effort to encourage children's reading and bookstore participation.
Book retail in Catalonia also includes the second-hand sector, represented by the distinct Gremi de Llibreters de Vell de Catalunya. In 2026, the organization held Barcelona's 75th Fira del Llibre d’Ocasió. The fair brought together established family businesses such as Reus París Londres and Rodés, along with newer projects including VetusThoth and Planabooks. It offered another glimpse of the businesses and generations active in the region's bookselling field.
The event paid tribute to two veteran booksellers, Irene Tortós-Sala of Librería L’Altell and Araceli Clares of Librería Hispano Americana, marking 35 years in the profession for each. Journalist and writer Elisenda Roca hosted the ceremony. Xavier Vidal from Nollegiu delivered the keynote address.
Ferran Garcia called the award for 'Sau' a moment of personal joy. He said the novel draws on Osona's field and folklore to create a mythical setting rooted in local memory. Speaking by video from San Francisco, Rita Bullwinkel expressed gratitude for the reception of her work in Catalonia. Tina Vallès and Mercè Galí spoke about the growing recognition for 'Cartes imprevistes'. Chris Mould, illustrator of 'El gigante de hierro', also shared his appreciation remotely. Maria Rosich, translator of 'El rincón de pensar-El racó depensar', joined the celebration online with a lighthearted message.
Marina Garcés, honored for 'La pasión de los extraños', reflected on the book's exploration of friendship and her longstanding wish to receive recognition from the Llibreter. She spoke as bookstores face mounting pressures, emphasizing their role as places for connection beyond private life.
The Premi Llibreter carries no cash prize, but it is considered a impressive honor in the Spanish literary community. The Gremi de Llibreries de Catalunya, currently led by Eric del Arco, says the award aims to strengthen the bookseller's role as a curator and promote high-quality literature. The Llibreter has become a basic event in Catalonia's book world, bringing authors, publishers and readers together while reflecting literary trends and the challenges facing independent bookstores. Across Spain, independent bookstores continue to support local authors and sustain cultural diversity despite competition from large online retailers and changing consumer habits.
