Central Library
Philadelphia is the reluctant forefront of everything. We freaked out about the Republican Convention back in 2000 (for Bush reasons—oh, how little we knew—but also out of our forefront phobia). We freaked out about Live 8. We assumed we’d fail. We assume that we are allergic to any spotlight, like one of those light-allergic children who has to live in dark houses, and play in contained playgrounds by themselves. That’s us. The funny thing is, I always feel like we do a pretty bang up job. And I have a feeling that for this year’s first annual Philadelphia Book Festival, we’re going to surprisingly succeed yet again. On April 21st and 22nd, the Free Library will be hosting a ton of authors, who will give readings and sign books. Some highlights for me personally include Gary Shteyngart, Rory Stewart, Jabari Asim, and—um, wow—Patti Smith, singing and reciting her poetry. And, I really must mention, WE’LL BE THERE, at our very own, very chatty, very centralized, and amazing table.
|