Exclusive Interview With the London Book Fair Director on Reading Technology and the Future of Publishing

From March 10 to 12, publishers, writers and readers from around the world gathered at the 2026 The London Book Fair, where stories leapt from the pages of books into real life.

As artificial intelligence, screen adaptations and digital reading continue to reshape the publishing landscape, how can book fairs maintain their appeal? And in an age dominated by screens, how can reading continue to move people?

In an exclusive interview, reporter May Zhao spoke with Emma Lowe, director of the London Book Fair, about the future of reading and the endless possibilities of publishing.

May Zhao:Each year the London Book Fair reflects key trends in the publishing world. What are the most notable developments this year?

Emma Lowe:This year the UK is celebrating a National Year of Reading, so promoting reading naturally became a central theme. At the same time, we’re also focusing on screen adaptations—taking stories from the page to the screen and into the wider world.

Many people fall in love with a story through a film or television series first, and only later pick up the book. That, too, is a wonderful path into reading.

May Zhao:How does the London Book Fair ensure that the impact of the National Year of Reading extends beyond the exhibition halls and reaches communities and schools?

Emma Lowe:The book fair lasts only a few days, but reading is a lifelong journey. We work with organisations such as the Publishers Association to extend reading initiatives into schools, communities and libraries.

We hope that the sparks ignited during the book fair will gradually grow into brighter lights in many different places.

May Zhao:Running a global stage like the London Book Fair must be complex. What do you think is the most essential ability for the role?

Emma Lowe:I’ve always believed the first step is to truly understand the publishing industry. Without knowing its rhythms and pulse—and without a genuine passion for books—the job would feel heavy and difficult.

The book fair is like a book still being written. Only those who understand and love books can write it with warmth and life.

May Zhao:In an era flooded with short videos and entertainment content, how can book fairs bring new readers back to reading?

Emma Lowe:Reading doesn’t have to be limited to novels. A football fixture list, a recipe, or a practical guide to everyday life can all be entry points into reading.

What matters is helping people see themselves in the words. That’s why we’ve created an Inclusion and Accessibility Hub, so people from all kinds of backgrounds can find a window into the world through books.

May Zhao:As online meetings become increasingly common, what makes a physical book fair irreplaceable?

Emma Lowe:People come here for real encounters—not another Zoom meeting on a screen.

For example, at our audiobook “listening station,” visitors can pause and listen to a story. In that moment, time seems to slow down, and words and voices flow through the air. It’s an experience that no screen can truly replicate.

May Zhao:How does the London Book Fair maintain its influence in the global publishing landscape?

Emma Lowe:The publishing world is like a map that keeps expanding. We maintain strong cooperation with international publishing organisations and actively participate in events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, exchanging ideas with publishers from around the world.

Every meeting has the potential to help a new story cross borders.

May Zhao:Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering the publishing industry. How can innovation be balanced with the protection of authors’ rights?

Emma Lowe:That’s a question of our time that is still being written. I’m not a technology expert myself, but through the book fair’s forums and discussions we invite the industry to reflect together.

Even in the midst of innovation, we must continue to respect creators.

May Zhao:As AI and audiobooks reshape the way people read, what concerns you most?

Emma Lowe:Copyright. Technology can help stories travel farther, but authors will always remain the source of those stories.

This year we’ve organised copyright-focused events and revived the Charles Clark Memorial Lecture. No matter how the times change, the light of creators deserves to be protected.

May Zhao:What new chapters lie ahead for the London Book Fair?

Emma Lowe:A new chapter is already on the way. The fair will soon move to a new venue, the ExCeL London.

A new space is like turning a new page—allowing more stories and more encounters to happen here.

May Zhao:If you could describe your vision for the London Book Fair in one sentence, what would it be?

Emma Lowe:：I hope it will always feel like a warm city of books—a place where people meet, talk, connect, find inspiration, and leave with a smile.

Because reading, after all, should be something that brings joy.