2013 Brooklyn Book Festival biggest yet
Brooklyn BookBeat: Tens of thousands gathered downtown; Marty promises event will continue
“The Book Festival represents the best of Brooklyn!” Borough President Marty Markowitz told a literary crowd at Sunday’s eighth annual Brooklyn Book Festival. This year’s event was the biggest so far, drawing an estimated 45,000 to Brooklyn, the nation’s literary hub, where over 340 renowned national and international authors appeared to read from and discuss their work.
After a weeklong series of over 60 “Bookend” events from Sept. 16 – 22, the Downtown Brooklyn festival consisted of 90-plus panels, readings and workshops spread across 14 stages. Among the venues were Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza, Columbus Park, Brooklyn Law School, St. Francis College, the Brooklyn Historical Society, and St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church.
In addition to the discussions and readings, literary organizations participated by setting up booths throughout the plaza. Literary journals, booksellers, “indie” book publishers, university presses, and more reported record sales this year. Stefan Ringel, Director of Communications for the Office of Marty Markowitz, told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle he was grateful for the wonderful work volunteers put in all year. “There was a lot going on, [but] everyone pitches in to make it work,” he said.