Local presses and the public library have always had a shared mission to inform and inspire people to read.
As collaborative crusaders in nurturing and celebrating the written word, it seemed only logical that they join forces to promote the literary arts.
This fall, Friends of the Hennepin County Library is partnering with three nonprofit local literary publishers to present a new series unlike any other.
Spotlight on Local Presses will feature a diverse selection of literary events celebrating our vibrant publishing community.
Curated and produced by the creative staff of each press, no two evenings will be the same.
Doors will open at 45 minutes in advance of programs with a book sale and wine reception, and will be followed by book signing and desserts.
The Spotlight on Local Presses series will be held at the Minneapolis Central Library (Pohlad Hall) in downtown Minneapolis. Programs are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.
For more details, call 612-543-8107 or visit www [dot] supporthclib [dot] org.
Upcoming events
Spotlight on Coffee House Press
8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
Ed Bok Lee and Bao Phi: A Joint Book Launch and Conversation
Celebrate the launch of new poetry collections by Ed Bok Lee and Bao Phi, two of the Twin Cities’ most dynamic poets on the national Asian American literary and spoken word scene. In “Whorled,” Lee looks toward a global future, one where the dividing lines between state, religion, race, history and culture have been blurred to the extent that the very idea of difference requires a new understanding. In Phi’s “Sông I Sing,” the Twin Cities provides the backdrop to a rhythmic exploration of the contradictions of race and class in America. Emceed by multidisciplinary artist and spoken word performer Shá Cage, the program will feature a performance and conversation by the poets and music by DJ Nak.
Spotlight on Graywolf Press
7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011
The Graywolf Press Sneak Peek
Join Graywolf Press as we celebrate our sensational upcoming publishing season! Award-winning poet Jeffrey Yang (“Vanishing-Line”) and acclaimed novelist Mary Rockcastle (“In Caddis Wood”) will join Graywolf’s director and publisher, Fiona McCrae, and Senior Editor Jeffrey Shotts to present the 2011-2012 list and share their unique perspectives and insights on wha’’s next in the world of Graywolf. Stick around after the program to pick up the titles that caught your eye, mingle with the authors and enjoy delectable desserts.
Spotlight on Milkweed Editions
7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011
An Evening of Travel, Politics and Prose with Christopher Merrill
Award-winning poet, journalist, translator and essayist Christopher Merrill will discuss his new book,” The Tree of the Doves: Ceremony, Expedition, War.” Merrill, who directs the international Writing Program at the University of Iowa, was recently nominated by the White House for membership on the National Council on the Humanities. He will discuss his extensive travels and explore what it means to write about the politicized world in the wake of September 11th from a historical as well as a literary perspective, and where we are going as a country and a people. Merrill will be introduced and joined on stage by Daniel Slager, publisher and CEO of Milkweed Editions.
