Berlin to launch annual bookstore prize in 2027

The Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Enterprises has announced the establishment of the Berlin Bookstore Prize, which will begin being awarded annually in 2027. The initiative aims to honor six independent bookstores that demonstrate excellence through their product selection, business concepts, or cultural event programming.

To support the inaugural year and the preparation process, the Senate is providing 125,000 euros. The prize structure includes a Grand Berlin Bookstore Prize of 20,000 euros, two individual prizes of 12,000 euros each, and recognition payments of 5,000 euros for three shortlisted bookstores.

To be eligible, bookstores must be owner-operated or cooperative-run, have a maximum of five branches, be headquartered in Berlin, and have an annual turnover of less than 1 million euros. The awards will be organized by the Berlin-Brandenburg regional association of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, with decisions made by an independent six-member jury.