Join The Center for Fiction and Celebrate Books for New York Schools on April 10!

I recently heard about The Center for Fiction through a special on Groupon, a website that aggregates promotions and deals in NYC (and other cities) and through NY Magazine. The Center for Fiction has a compelling mission: "to encourage people to read and value fiction and to support and celebrate its creation and enjoyment." The Center for Fiction organizes talks, readings, and creative programs and is housed in a beautiful building on E. 47th Street (between Fifth and Madison Avenues) with a sanctuary of a reading room and a large private library.

On Saturday, April 10, The Center for Fiction is hosting the Celebrate Books for New York Schools - a day of activities for kids, readers and authors. There's plenty for adults to enjoy - with or without kids! The goal is to collect 5,000 books for NYC public schools, youth organizations, and the Coalition for the Homeless' summer camp, Homeward Bound. Each participant is asked to donate at least 2 new or gently used books for kids (K to 12th grade).

From 11 am to 5 pm, The Center for Fiction will host special events.

Adults will enjoy readings and discussions with Elizabeth Gilbert, Rick Moody, Jamaica Kincaid, Rene Steinke, Rob Sheffield, Adam Haslett, Sam Lipsyte, Jonathan Dee, Martha McPhee, Ron Nixon, Darcey Steinke, Kurt Andersen and others. Panel discussions on "How to Get Published" and "The Art of Interviewing Musicians" will surely intrigue aspiring authors.

Kids and their parents will have the chance to write stories at the "Instant Writer" workshops. Well-known children's authors Elise Broach, Miriam Cohen, Tad Hills, Veronica Chambers, Fran Manushkin, and Bob Morris will read to children. Other children can participate in hourly "Make Your Own Book" workshops led by distinguished artists, such as Ruth Root, Roe Ethridge and Chris Doyle.

Middle and high school students can enjoy readings and discussions led by their favorite authors, including Cecily von Ziegesar (Gossip Girl), Scott Westerfeld (Uglies), Natalie Standiford (How to Say Goodbye in Robot) and Justine Larbalestier (Liar).

For the complete schedule or to learn more, call 212-755-6710 or visit the Center for Fiction's website at http://centerforfiction.org/booksfornyckids Or visit the Center for Fiction to see for yourself!

Interested? Sign up!

The price of entry is a donation of at least 2 new or gently used books (grades K-12). For the list of recipient organizations or to learn more about donating, visit the Center for Fiction's Books for NYC Schools page.

The Mercantile Library Center for Fiction
17 East 47th Street, b/w 5th & Madison Aves
New York, NY 10017