News of note for readers: March 31, 2026

Catch up quick with the bookish news of the past few days ... or take a deeper dive into each story. Your choice!  

• Pop star Dua Lipa is the curator of this year’s London Literature Festival, which takes place from October 21 through November 1 (The Guardian). 

• The National Association of Black Bookstores has announced the first National Black Bookstore Day, to be celebrated April 7 (Book Riot).

• The shortlist for the 2026 International Booker Prize has been revealed; we'll learn which author and translator split the £50,000 (about $66,400) prize on May 19 (The Guardian).