Translating the World with National Book Foundation

​Join the New York Public Library for a celebration of literary translation! This event is part of the World Literature and Arts Festival, taking place in-person at the Jefferson Market Library.

National Book Award–honored translator Heather Cleary (Pink Slime by Fernanda Trías, 2024 Longlister; Comemadre by Roque Larraquy, 2018 Longlister) and honored author Jonas Hassen Khemiri (The Family Clause, translated by Alice Menzies, 2020 Finalist) come together for readings and conversation on the joys—and difficulties—of translation, cultural exchange, and global literature. This panel will be moderated by Elisabeth Jaquette, National Book Award–honored translator and Executive Director of Words Without Borders.

Register now! This event will take place in person and online. 

To join the event in person | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. 

To join the event online | Please register for an Online Ticket. A livestream of this event will be available on this NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register! If you encounter any issues, please join us on NYPL's YouTube channel.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The New York Public Library’s World Literature & Arts Festival (April 14–30, 2025) brings together trailblazers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to celebrate storytelling and spotlight NYC’s vibrant communities. Join us for free events, programs, book recommendations, and resources for all ages.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Heather Cleary is an award–winning translator of poetry and prose from Spanish whose work has been recognized by the National Book Foundation, English PEN, the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute, and the Mellon Foundation, among others. She is the author of The Translator's Visibility: Scenes from Contemporary Latin American Fiction and is currently writing a novel about translation and betrayal. She lives in Mexico City.

Jonas Hassen Khemiri is the author of six novels; seven plays; and a collection of his plays, essays, and short stories. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages and his plays have been performed by more than a hundred international companies. His next book, The Sisters, will be published in English in June 2025.

Elisabeth Jaquette is a translator from Arabic and executive director of Words Without Borders. Her translation of Minor Detail by Adania Shibli was a Finalist for the 2020 National Book Award and longlisted for the International Booker Prize. Her other translations have been shortlisted for Warwick Prize for Women in Translation, the Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation, and the TA First Translation Prize. Elisabeth's work has been supported by the Jan Michalski Foundation, a CASA Fellowship, and several English PEN Translates Awards, and her shorter translations have been featured in the New York Times, McSweeney's, and The Common, among others. In 2019, she served as a judge for the National Book Award in Translated Literature.

ABOUT NATIONAL BOOK FOUNDATION

The mission of the National Book Foundation is to celebrate the best literature published in the United States, expand its audience, and ensure that books have a prominent place in our culture.

ABOUT WORDS WITHOUT BORDERS

Words Without Borders is the premier destination for a global literary conversation. Founded in 2003, our mission is to cultivate global awareness by expanding access to international writing and creating a bridge between readers, writers, and translators. 

BOOKS & MORE 

Discover more books and ideas tied to this program in The New York Public Library's collections. 

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. 


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Livestream

• Live captioning will be provided.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.

CONNECT WITH US

Sign up for our e-newsletters to stay up to date on upcoming events and Library offerings.

For questions and inquiries, please email adultprogramming@nypl.org

Please submit all press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org.

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