However much the literary world is becoming more sociable and noisy, reading is an activity that requires solitude and time, two things that have recently been given to us. With cinemas and theatres closed, social celebrations and concerts cancelled, travel impossible… Our leisure options have been reduced significantly, yet studies seem to indicate that reading levels have increased during lockdown. Reading has been, as it has always been in similar circumstances, a refuge, an intimate space of freedom. Starting with a lecture given by Jesús Marchamalo (Spain), this event ends with a conversation involving Nuria Barrios (Spain), Melba Escobar (Colombia) and Nona Fernández (Chile), moderated by Gabriel Hörner, Director of the Querétaro City Museum.