The Lithuanian Publishers' Association said the year 2014 was chosen because it will mark the 300th anniversary of Kristijonas Donelaitis, author of the first fiction writing in Lithuanian.
World Book Capital is a title bestowed by UNESCO to a city in recognition of the quality of its programs to promote books and reading and the dedication of all players in the book industry.
Publishers believe the status of the World Book Capital would increase literary production, encourage people to read books, step up publication and spread of Lithuanian literary works, give a positive boost to existing and new literary, book art, and publication projects.
Zuokas said the final decision is expected in May.
Ten cities have been designated as World Book Capitals, including Madrid (2001), Alexandria (2002), New Delhi (2003), Antwerp (2004), Montreal (2005), Torino (2006), Bogota (2007), Amsterdam (2008), Beirut (2009), Ljubljana (2010). Buenos Aires is World Book Capital of 2011, and the title will go to Bangkok and Erevan in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
