Presented and produced by Miami Dade College
Miami, Sept. 8, 2020 – For the first time in 37 years, Miami Dade College (MDC) will transform its iconic Miami Book Fair (MBF), a weeklong celebration of books and writers in downtown Miami, into a free virtual event from Nov. 15-22.
The virtual Fair is the continuation of a proactive effort to remain socially engaged, even as we practice physical distancing, per local and state guidelines. Since the onset of the pandemic, the Fair has remained connected to the world through a stream of interactive online events that include conversations with authors, the annual Miami Writers Institute; The Little Haiti Book Festival; and a Speak Up: Teen Creative Writing workshops, among others.
“Transforming an event that has been exclusively in person for more than a generation has indeed been challenging, but the opportunity for growth through digital delivery of programs is also motivating for us,” said Lissette Mendez, MBF’s Programs Director. “Over 37 years, we have built a Miami Book Fair that represents diversity of subject matter, diversity of presenting authors and diversity of fairgoers. We have built a program that introduces more than 20,000 children each year to books and writers, instilling in each of them a love for reading that will support their educational pursuits. Our mission is to engage our community through inclusive, accessible, programs that promote reading and support writers. Though we will be online, we will still be the Miami Book Fair, and we look forward to gathering in person, once again, when the conditions allow.”
This year’s growing list of more than 200 authors and moderators includes headliner Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist, teacher, environmental activist, and inventor Margaret Atwood (“Dearly: New Poems,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Testaments”).
As in years past, the Fair will feature programs in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole representing fiction, politics, history, memoir, comics, poetry, among other genres, as well as an extensive program for children and teens. Signature programs, such as “Evenings With…” and the IberoAmerican and ReadCaribbean programs will return, and even the beloved Children’s Alley, dedicated to providing fun, learning activities for children, will have a digital home. In addition, the Fair will prominently showcase Florida authors.
The virtual Book Fair Marketplace will feature booksellers and other vendors, in place of the popular Street Fair weekend. And of course, you can order a copy of this year’s commemorative poster created by award-winning children’s book author, illustrator, and creator of Disney’s animated series, The Replacements, Dan Santat.
A free and simple registration is all that will be required, and users will receive email notifications about programs and activities as they become available, plus practical tips on how to navigate the website, create a watchlist, and more. All MBF programs will be available on a schedule to be published prior to the start of the Fair. Although the Fair site will not be fully operational until programs are complete and ready for viewing, the registrations page is open. Audiences can sign up to get updates and program drop schedules at miamibookfaironline.com.
For more information or to become a Friend of the Fair, a fundraising membership program, please visit www.miamibookfair.com or email wbookfair@mdc.edu.
Follow the Miami Book Fair on social media @miamibookfair.
#MiamiBookFair2020 #MBF2020 #MiamiBookFairOnline
About Miami Book Fair
Founded in 1984 by Miami Dade College and partners, Miami Book Fair engages the community through inclusive, accessible programs that promote reading and support writers year-round. The annual eight-day festival has grown into the largest and most comprehensive community-rooted literary gathering in the United States generating discourse on contemporary literature and current issues of international importance. Throughout the rest of the year, Miami Book Fair responds hosts an ongoing schedule of activities, including The Little Haiti Book Festival; creative writing and publishing workshops; author presentations; reading campaigns; and Read to Learn Books for Free, a partnership with The Children’s Trust that distributes more than 150,000 free books a year to children in Miami-Dade County. Miami Book Fair programming is made possible through generous support from the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts; City of Miami; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council; Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; Miami Downtown Development Authority; and Friends of the Fair; as well as many corporate partners. Miami Book Fair: Building community, one reader at a time.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is the most diverse institution in the nation. There are 174 nations and 69 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways including associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and apprenticeships. Baccalaureate degree offerings include biological sciences, engineering, data analytics, information systems technology, education, public safety, supervision and management, nursing, physician assistant studies, film and others. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards including the Aspen Prize. As Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high quality-teaching and learning experiences. It is the home of the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, the Eig-Watson School of Aviation, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, the Cloud Computing Center, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation, the School for Advanced Studies, and the New World School of the Arts, to name a few of its most innovative programs. MDC has been named among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural, and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. Its alumni and employees contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy, and MDC graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC is renowned for its rich cultural programming. It is the home of the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, the Tower Theater, Dyer Building, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, the Museum of Art and Design, a sculpture park and a large campus art gallery and theater system. MDC has admitted more than 2,000,000 students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. More than 120,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
Miami Book Fair contact: Lisa Palley, Palley Promotes, 305-642-3132 lpalley@bellsouth.net.