Colombia launches $60,000 reading voucher for 10,000 youth

The Ministry of Culture, the Arts and Knowledge, together with the National Library of Colombia, Fundalectura and the Colombian Association of Independent Bookstores, opened applications for the "Bono de Lectura" program. The initiative will award 10,000 digital vouchers worth 60,000 Colombian pesos each, enabling young people aged 18‑28 who are registered in the Sisbén system to buy books or comics at participating bookstores. Recipients must contribute at least 5,000 pesos and present a QR code, ID and Sisbén certificate at the point of sale. The rollout begins 15 July 2026.

At the same time, Bogotá’s public library network (BibloRed) is hosting a free week‑long series of cultural activities from 17‑21 June 2026, including exhibitions, digital‑literacy workshops, photography lessons and family reading sessions. The events aim to boost reading, writing and oral skills across all age groups in the city.