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Miami Book Fair International

{{Short description|Annual book fair and literary festival}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}

{{Infobox convention

| name = Miami Book Fair

| status = Active

| genre = Multi-genre

| venue = Miami Dade College

| location = Miami, Florida

| country = US

| first = 1984

| organizer = Miami Book Fair @ Miami Dade College

| attendance = 200,000

| website = {{URL|https://www.miamibookfair.com/}}

}}

The Miami Book Fair is an annual street fair and literary festival organized by Miami Dade College.

History

Miami Book Fair International, originally known as "Books by the Bay," was founded in 1984 by Miami Dade College President Eduardo J. Padrón, Books & Books owner Mitchell Kaplan, Craig Pollock of BookWorks, and other local bookstore owners in cooperation with the Miami-Dade Public Library System.{{cite news | url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-11-03/features/8502180200_1_book-authors-miami-dade-community-college | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092116/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-11-03/features/8502180200_1_book-authors-miami-dade-community-college | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 2, 2015 | title=Big Names Highlight Book Fair | newspaper=Sun-Sentinel | date=November 3, 1985 | accessdate=October 10, 2013 | author=Kelleher, Terry}}{{cite web |title=Mitchell Kaplan to Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2011 National Book Award Ceremony|url=http://www.nationalbook.org/literarian_2011.html#.UkoNOdKsiSo|work=National Book Foundation|accessdate=October 5, 2013}} The two primary organizers of the inaugural 1984 Book Fair from the Miami-Dade Public Library System were Head of Community Relations Margarita Cano and Wolfsonian campus librarian Juanita Johnson.{{cite news |last1=Padron |first1=Eduardo |title=The birth of the Book Fair |work=The Miami Herald |date=8 November 2009 |location=Miami, Florida |page=8MB}}

Community Partners and Sponsors

=Florida Center for the Literary Arts (FCLA)=

The Florida Center for the Literary Arts (FCLA) is affiliated with the Miami Book Fair International.{{cite web |title=Florida Center for the Literary Arts (FCLA) History|url=http://www.flcenterlitarts.com/site/about_center/history.html|work=The Center @ MDC|publisher=Miami Dade College|accessdate=October 5, 2013}} A permanent endowment for the FCLA was established with a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Full programming began in January 2002.

As a department of Miami Dade College, FCLA generates programs to support authors and writing, journalism, play and screen writing, reading and literacy, as well as the Miami Book Fair International. Outreach consists of reading campaigns and book discussions, writing workshops, author presentations, panel discussions, and master classes. The Center collaborates with Florida-based cultural institutions and other partners to advance literary initiatives. {{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

Events

=Festival of Authors=

Typically more than 300 authors from around the world participate in the Fair's international Festival of Authors.{{cite web |title=A Guide to Miami Book Fair International|url=http://miami.cbslocal.com/top-lists/a-guide-to-miami-book-fair-international/ |publisher=WFOR-TV |accessdate=October 7, 2013}} Writers come from across the United States and other countries including Argentina, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, England, France, Finland, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Israel, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Trinidad, among others.

=Evenings With...Series=

The "Evenings With… series" features readings by writers every evening for six consecutive festival days. Past guest authors have included recipients of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Casa de las Americas Prize, Pushcart Prize, O'Henry Award, National Magazine Award, Commonwealth Prize, MacArthur Fellowship, and Edgar Award.

=Street Fair=

The three-day outdoor festival gathers hundreds of booksellers and exhibitors from major publishing houses, small presses, scholarly imprints, and foreign publishers. Sellers of used books, including signed first editions, original manuscripts, and other collectibles, also participate. Millions of books in multiple languages are available, along with book signings and musical entertainment, during the weekend Fair activity.

=Comix Galaxy=

File:Case, Jonathan -MBFI fRF 02.JPG

Comic Galaxy is a Fair program offering information on graphic novels and the comics world. It celebrates their place in United States literary life and their increasing popularity and integration into mainstream literature, culture, and education.{{cite web |title=Fanboys and Families: Miami Book Fair Debuts Comix Galaxy|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/6101-fanboys-and-families-miami-book-fair-debuts-comix-galaxy.html|work=Publishers Weekly Comics Week |accessdate=October 7, 2013}} The School of Comics, a prominent part of Comic Galaxy, is a day-long program with six sessions for teachers, librarians, parents, and others interested in the format,{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International's Comix Galaxy to Celebrate Graphic Novels and Comic Books|url=http://www.caribbeantoday.com/index.php/other/facts/books/item/121-miami-book-fair-internationals-comix-galaxy-to-celebrate-graphic-novels-and-comic-books |work=Caribbean Today|accessdate=October 10, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054450/http://www.caribbeantoday.com/index.php/other/facts/books/item/121-miami-book-fair-internationals-comix-galaxy-to-celebrate-graphic-novels-and-comic-books |archivedate=March 4, 2016}} and special training for established comic book creators.

=Children's Alley=

Children's Alley, designed for young readers, features storytelling, puppets, theatrical performances, educational games, and hands-on activities.{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International Fosters Generation Genius – Literacy and Learning for Children and Teens|url=http://www.mdc.edu/main/news/articles/2012/10/miami_book_fair_international_fosters_ge.aspx|work=MDC in the News|publisher=Miami Dade College|accessdate=October 7, 2013}} Generation Genius, a program within Children's Alley, hosts thousands of school-aged children annually.{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International Fairgoer's Guide 2012|url=http://www.miamibookfair.com/images/2012-mbfi-fgg_tcm7-72705.pdf|work=Miami Book Fair International|accessdate=October 10, 2013}} Miami Book Fair International also offers workshops and presentations to local teachers, librarians, and educators as part of Generation Genius. Programs are provided in cooperation with Miami Art Museum, HistoryMiami, Miami Children's Museum, Miami Science Museum, Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade/Monroe, and Florida Blue.

=Ibero-American Authors=

File:Diaz de Villegas, Nestor -MBFI 2011 fRF.jpg

Ibero-American Authors is Miami Book Fair International's Spanish and Portuguese language author program. More than 50 authors from various Latin American countries are featured during the eight days of the Fair. Readings take place nightly during the week and throughout the weekend.{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International|url=http://www.pulseculture.com/article/166/living/Miami_Book_Fair_International.html|work=Pulse Culture|accessdate=October 10, 2013}}

=Twilight Tastings and the Kitchen=

Miami Book Fair International also includes hors d'oeuvre, complimentary cocktails, and nightly entertainment before weeknight author presentations.{{cite news |title=Twilight Tastings at Miami Book Fair|url=http://miamiherald.typepad.com/between_the_covers/2009/10/twilight-tastings-at-miami-book-fair.html|department=Between the Covers: Inside Books with Connie Ogle|work=Miami Herald|accessdate=October 7, 2013}} The Kitchen combines cooking demonstrations and author readings by featured cookbook authors and chefs as they recreate recipes from their books.{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International Presents Exciting New Culinary Program, The Kitchen|url=http://www.mdc.edu/main/news/articles/2012/11/miami_book_fair_international_presents_e.aspx|work=MDC in the News|publisher=Miami Dade College|accessdate=October 7, 2013}}

=LGBTQIA+ Topics=

Authors writing on LGBTQIA+ topics are represented throughout the festival with titles in fiction, non-fiction, memoir, and erotica. Many featured authors are Lambda Award winners or finalists.{{cite web |title=LGBT Authors and Books at the Miami Book Fair|url=http://southfloridagaynews.com/articles/lgbt-authors-and-books-at-the-miami-book-fair/107608|work=South Florida Gay News|accessdate=October 7, 2013}}

=Miami Writer's Institute=

Center for Literature and Theatre faculty, authors, and agents provide workshops related to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and publishing.{{cite web |title=Writers Institute at Miami Dade|url=http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/features/arts/offthepage/blog/2009/05/writers_institute_at_miami_dad.html|department=Off the Page|work=Sun Sentinel|accessdate=October 11, 2013}} The Center offers one and three-day workshops, with several taking place in Spanish.

Recent-Year Highlights

=2014=

In 2014, the Miami Book Fair International partnered with the National Book Foundation to offer programming focused on 2014 National Book Award nominees and winners.{{cite news |last1=Italie|first1=Hillel|title=National Book Award Finalists Announced|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/books/article2818331.html|accessdate=November 2, 2014|work=Miami Herald|date=October 15, 2014}} Some of the authors appearing at Miami Book Fair International 2014 included:{{cite news |last1=Bermudez|first1=Vivian|title=Book Fair International Returns to Downtown Miami|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/teenlink/books/fl-tl-miami-book-fair-international-20141020-story.html|accessdate=November 1, 2014|work=Sun Sentinel|date=October 20, 2014}}{{cite web |title=2014 Fairgoer's Guide|url=http://www.miamibookfair.com/images/2014-fgg-1016_tcm7-93758.pdf|website=Miami Book Fair International|publisher=Miami-Dade College|accessdate=November 2, 2014}}

=2013=

File:Aslan, Reza -MBFI 2013 fRF 06.jpg at the MBFI 2013]]

File:Weiner, Jennifer & Jong, Erica -MBFI 2013 fRF 03.jpg and Erica Jong at the MBFI 2013]]

The 30th edition of the Fair celebrated the culture and literature of Spain.{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International 2013 selects Spain as its featured country |url=http://www.americareadsspanish.org/news/ars-news/2802-miami-book-fair-international-2013-selects-spain-as-its-featured-country.html |work=ARS News|publisher=America Reads Spanish |accessdate=October 10, 2013}} Authors appearing at Miami Book Fair International 2013 included:{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/miami-book-fair-international/author-list-miami-book-fair-international-2013/10152273100208902|via=Facebook|accessdate=October 9, 2013}}

=2012=

The featured country of 2012's Miami Book Fair International was Paraguay. Paraguayan culture was showcased through film, dance, and fine and folkloric arts.{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International|url=http://www.ftlauderdalenews.net/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=138:annual-event-opens-nov.-11.&Itemid=60|work=The Promenade Newspaper|accessdate=October 10, 2013}}

Authors at Miami Book Fair International 2012 included:

=2011=

File:Palahniuk, Chuck.jpg at the MBFI 2011]]

File:Eugenides, Jeffrey -MBFI 2011 fRF.JPG at the MBFI 2011]]

Miami Book Fair International 2011 included demonstrations of Chinese culture and art and discussions of social issues facing contemporary China.{{cite web |title=Focus on China|url=http://www.miamibookfair.com/archive/2011/events/china/|work=Miami Book Fair International|accessdate=October 10, 2013}} An international symposium on Chinese language, culture, and communication was also held.

Authors participating in Miami Book Fair International 2011 included:{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International Fairgoer's Guide 2011|url=http://www.miamibookfair.com/images/fgg-2011-web2_tcm7-56228.pdf|work=Author Appearance Schedule|accessdate=October 8, 2013}}

=2010=

The fair dedicated its international space to Mexico, in celebration of the bicentennial of the nation's independence and the centennial of its 1910 revolution.{{cite web |title=Mexico Center Stage with 14 Authors at Miami Book Fair International|url=http://www.banderasnews.com/1011/entbk-mexcenterstage.htm|work=Banders News Entertainment & Books|publisher=Banderas News|accessdate=October 10, 2013}} Events included author presentations and roundtables, Ballet performances, art and photography exhibitions, a movie series, and theater performances.

Authors participating in Miami Book Fair International 2010 included:{{cite web |title=Miami Book Fair International Fairgoer's Guide 2010|url=http://www.miamibookfair.com/images/fgg-2010-web2_tcm7-41489.pdf|work=Author Appearance Schedule|accessdate=October 8, 2013}}

=2009=

Environmental issues were a focus of Miami Book Fair International 2009.{{cite web |title=2009 Miami Book Fair International Staying Green!|url=http://www.mdc.edu/main/news/articles/2009/11/2009_miami_book_fair_international_stayi.aspx|work=News and Events|publisher=Miami Dade College|accessdate=October 10, 2013}} The college used native plants on stages and entrances, which were later planted in the community. Bike Valet parking service was available, and recycling programs were promoted.

Authors appearing at Miami Book Fair International 2009 included:{{cite web|title=Miami Book Fair International Fairgoer's Guide 2009|url=http://www.miamibookfair.com/images/BF09-final_Layout%2011_tcm7-20510.pdf|work=Author Appearance Schedule|accessdate=October 8, 2013|archive-date=January 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126103019/http://miamibookfair.com/images/BF09-final_Layout%2011_tcm7-20510.pdf|url-status=dead}}

See also

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

  • [https://www.miamibookfair.com/ Official website]
  • [http://thecenteratmdc.tumblr.com/ The Center for Literature and Theatre @ Miami Dade College Tumblr Page]
  • [https://www.youtube.com/user/flcenterlitarts/ Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College YouTube Page]
  • [http://www.c-span.org/video/?302679-102/miami-book-fair-international-history/ Miami Book Fair International History on C-SPAN 2 Book TV]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20130112232439/http://bookreviewshq.com/book-fairs-in-the-united-states-list/ Major Book Fairs in the US]
  • [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/16/books/the-fair-that-lived-propelling-miami-arts.html?_r=0 New York Times Article A Book Fair That Grew, Propelling the Arts in Miami]

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{{Miami Dade College}}

{{Books}}

Category:Tourist attractions in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Category:Book fairs in the United States

Category:Festivals in Miami

Category:1984 establishments in Florida

Category:Festivals established in 1984