Brooklyn Book Festival Finds 'Eighth Wonder of the World'

Today, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and the Brooklyn Literary Council hailed the incredible success of Sunday's eighth annual Brooklyn Book Festival, supported by AT&T. One of the nation's top free literary events, the event attracted an estimated 45,000 booklovers to Downtown Brooklyn, along with a record 340+ top national and international authors, literary organizations and booksellers on 14 stages at Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza, Columbus Park, St. Francis College, Brooklyn Law School, the Brooklyn Historical Society and St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church. Younger readers found their favorite books and authors at the Target Children's Area and the Youth Stoop. The Festival once again expanded to include a full week of over 60 unique literary-themed "Bookend" events", all free or low-cost to attendees; this series of film screenings, parties, literary games and author appearances were held at clubs, bookstores, parks, theaters and libraries across Brooklyn.

"Booklovers found their 'eighth world wonder' at the eighth annual Brooklyn Book Festival, right here in 'Book-lyn', USA!" said Borough President Markowitz. "Many festival-goers simply couldn't believe the incredible number and variety of authors, illustrators and publishers waiting to meet and greet them. That is a tribute to the tireless efforts of the Brooklyn Literary Council and the many volunteers who work year-round to make this sensational salute to the written word possible, as well as the generous sponsorship of AT&T and our other wonderful partners. I'm proud to say that 'eight isn't enough' for the Brooklyn Book Festival; I predict the celebration will be bigger and better than ever next year!"

"The eighth Brooklyn Book Festival was the best yet, thanks to the generosity of the hundreds of authors around the world who came to participate and share their talents and knowledge," said Johnny Temple, chair of the Brooklyn Literary Council. "It was a gloriously beautiful day in Brooklyn, and it was heartening to see so many beaming faces: book lovers, exhibitors, authors ... I don't think I saw a single frown all day!"

With support from AT&T, smartphone users were able to use the official AT&T Brooklyn Book Festival app, available for download on both the iPhone and Android, to choose from hundreds of different events and plan their day. Eight mobile charging stations were stationed through the Festival to recharge mobile devices. AT&T also supported the "Fan Fave" competition to reward top authors with donations to their preferred literary or literacy programs. Voting began with the start of the "Bookends" and concluded on the main day of the Festival. Attendees voted for their favorite author by using the official AT&T Brooklyn Book Festival app as well as by visiting the AT&T Lounge in Borough Hall Plaza. The top three will receive a cash prize to be donated to the nonprofit of their choice; the announcement of the winners will come shortly.

"The Brooklyn Book Festival has become a favorite fall tradition for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world," said Marissa Shorenstein, New York State president of AT&T. "From meeting with authors to celebrating our Fan Favorites, the Festival is made to inspire and share in the love of reading. We're proud to work with the Brooklyn Borough President and Brooklyn Literary Council to make the Festival and weeklong literary events successful, unique experiences."

On Saturday, September 21st, the Brooklyn Book Festival BoBi Award, for outstanding contributions to literature that reflect the spirit of Brooklyn, was awarded to two-time Newbery Medal winner Lois Lowry. As the author of Number the Stars and the dystopian novel, The Giver, her work has influenced and inspired young readers throughout the country, where her books are widely read and discussed for taking on brave subject matter. She has written 41 books overall. Lowry lived in Brooklyn as a child and went to high school in the borough as well.

The Festival established the BoBi Award in its second year, when it was awarded to Paul Auster (2007). Subsequent honorees include Walter Mosley (2008), Edwidge Danticat (2009), John Ashbery (2010), Jhumpa Lahiri (2011) and Pete Hamill (2012).

The 2013 Brooklyn Book Festival is presented by Brooklyn Tourism and the Brooklyn Literary Council, both initiatives of Borough President Markowitz, and is proudly supported by AT&T. Major partners include the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and St. Francis College. Additional sponsors include Astoria Federal Savings, Boar's Head Brand, Citi, Con Edison, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, and Target. The Festival is also supported with grants from the Brooklyn Community Foundation, The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, NYC & Company Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts. The New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is the official hotel. Advertising partners include the Joey Company. Media partners include ABC, the New York Review of Books, Time Out New York/Time Out New York Kids and WNYC. Cultural and programming partners are BAM, Brooklyn Historical Society, Brooklyn Public Library, Cave Canem, National Book Foundation, PEN American Center, Poetry Society of America, St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, St. Francis College, The Nation, and The New York Review of Books. Cultural and programming partners are BAM, Brooklyn Historical Society, Brooklyn Public Library, Cave Canem, The Center for Fiction, London Review of Books, The Nation, the National Book Foundation, The New York Review of Books, PEN American Center, and the Poetry Society of America.