A Feast for the Literary Senses
The Miami International Book Fair is back for its 22nd year (November 13-20)

By Ashley Davidson

Miami-Dade College President Eduardo J. Padrón with artist Laura Luna at the unveiling of her poster for the 2005 Miami International Book Fair

This November, South Florida will once again become the hot-spot for world-renowned authors as Miami gears up for the 22 nd annual Miami Book Fair International.

Held at the Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus, this year's event will run November 13-20 and include events and activities for book lovers young and old.

“There's going to be something for everyone,” said Florida Center for the Literary Arts (FCLA) Executive Director Alina Interián, “We have so many different options: people who love to read and meet authors are going to flock to the meeting rooms. If you want to look for Christmas gifts you can wander the streets looking for bargains. There's a kids section and also the International Village.”

“We're extremely excited,” said Miami Dade College President Eduardo J. Padrón. “The Miami Book Fair International is the finest and largest literary event in the whole nation. We're just delighted for it to be happening here and for the involvement of the college.”

The Miami International Book Fair, which draws approximately half a million attendees each year, features the popular street fair the weekend of November 18, which will provide entertainment for the entire family.

“Authors will have their books on display to sell,” Interián said. “There will be areas to rest and enjoy jazz music and eat, also.”

Besides the many booksellers, the street fair will also include a Children's Alley, geared toward a wide age range, with a play area for toddlers, Dr. Seuss for young children, and a Harry Potter tent for the older children.

“We're bringing to the public of Miami the best of literature,” Padrón said, “not only by books but also by the authors.”

	Artist Laura Luna with her poster for this year's Miami International Book Fair

The “Evening's With” series will present one author each night, Sunday through Friday, and give fans an opportunity to listen to and speak with their favorite authors. A short list of over 250 confirmed authors includes Margaret Atwood, Dave Barry, Jerry Lewis, Pulitzer Prize winner Marilynne Robinson and Sex and the City creator Candace Bushnell.

The Antiquarian Annex is an antique lover's dream come true, with collectibles, signed first editions, and much more. The International Pavilions will include literature, art, and culinary traditions from countries all around the world.

The Spoken Word Café will continue this year, presenting South Florida's musical and literary talent for an evening of poetic entertainment. Fortunately enough, Spoken Word Café's popularity has grown and the FCLA has responded, offering the program the third Wednesday of every month on the corner of Lincoln Road and Meridian Avenue.

Another major part of the Book Fair is the One Book, One Community program, encouraging residents of South Florida to read and discuss a common book. This year's publication is Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quijote , in celebration of the 400 th anniversary of its first edition.

In conjunction with the program, the One Picture Book, One Community project hopes to encourage young children to engage in reading the same picture book. Chosen this year is Little Cliff and the Porch People , by Clifton Taulbert.

The unveiling party for the official 2005 MBFI poster took place at the Ritz Carlton DiLido Beach Club on September 14. Miami-based artist Laura Luna explained her inspiration behind the creation.

“It's complete Miami,” she said. “I love this city.”

The premier event for the FCLA, the Miami International Book Fair has only one goal in mind.

“We hope to promote reading,” said Interián. “That's all we really ever hope to achieve.”

The Miami International Book Fair runs:
When: November 13-20
Where: Miami-Dade's Wolfson campus - 300 NE 2 nd Avenue in downtown Miami.

Admission to the fairgrounds is free to all visitors on Friday, but a $5 entrance fee will be charged on Saturday and Sunday. Included with the fee will be a coupon booklet with discounts for designated locations at the fair.

For more information, please contact Miami Book Fair International
Phone: 305-237-3258 or visit: http://www.miamibookfair.com/