About BOOKMARKS

OVERVIEW

BOOKMARKS is a nonprofit organization which offers literary experiences celebrating books and authors. Our largest – and most visible – literary experience is our annual Festival of Books. To help spread the importance of reading and writing throughout the year, we work to bring authors into schools, retirement homes, and hospitals in the Piedmont area of North Carolina including Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem and surrounding communities. BOOKMARKS also presents two or more targeted author-based events each year in our “Conversation with” Series. Authors have included Geraldine Brooks, Michael Connelly, Elizabeth Gilbert, Jan Karon, Garrison Keillor, Sue Monk Kidd, Greg Mortenson, and Cokie Roberts.

BOOKMARKS Festival of Books is held in September on the Saturday following Labor day. Readers and writers of all ages come together in one place, on one day — to participate in individual and collective literary experiences. BOOKMARKS brings authors of national, regional, and local renown as well as emerging authors to share their work and love of reading, to increase exposure to books, and to improve education. Participants are drawn to the fun, festival setting, and come away with a renewed love of books. In 2011, our Festival brought together more than 7,000 people to experience such authors as Lisa See, Margaret Maron, Tom Perrotta, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Elin Hilderbrand, Henry Neff, and Jamie Gilson.

The festival features author readings, presentations, panel discussions, Q & A sessions, illustrator demonstrations, cookbook chef demonstrations, as well as writing and publishing workshops, and book signings. Community organizations and educational institutions join in the planning, programming, and execution of the festival. We are proud to offer programs in Spanish and English – for young readers and for adults. In 2011, this included a Spanish and English Storytime for children as well as a bilingual cooking presentation and discussion by Sandra Gutierrez, author of The New Southern-Latino Table.

The festival includes Young Readers Central — a specific area designed and targeted for children and families — with its own variety of venues. These venues present authors as well as reading-related creative and interactive activities such as: creating a reading-related arts and crafts project, participating in writing sessions, making bookmarks, dressing up as characters from books, and interacting with community readers. Organizations and nonprofits take part by presenting age-appropriate reading and writing related activities associated with each agency’s individual mission. Young Readers also enjoy the opportunity to receive a free book to take home.

 Outreach includes festival authors visiting schools prior to the festival. In 2011, this included Storyteller Gran'daddy Junebug, who visited Brunson Elementary School; Scott Douglas, who met with East Forsyth High School's Cross Country Team; Robert Edelstein who met with students and faculty from Winston-Salem State University’s Motorsports Management Program; and Shana Norris, who met with 10th grade honor students at North Forsyth High School. 2500 students in the triad area experienced author visits in 2011. Other author visits were made by Henry Neff, Joseph Glatthaar, Jamie Gilson and Martha Southgate. Winston-Salem native, Dallas Clayton, had three author visits to Brenner Children's Hospital, Family Services, Inc., Head Start, and his alma mater, Reynolds High School. Through his foundation, he shared his book, An Amazing Book of Thanks, with each attendee.

BOOKMARKS 2012 will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2012 in the Downtown Arts District of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The street festival format includes a mixture of enclosed tents plus indoor space in galleries and businesses. By including a mix of authors encompassing the range of literary genres, as well as performers, reading-related exhibitors, and a variety of food vendors, the festival offers an inviting atmosphere for all ages.

BOOKMARKS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by grants, foundations, corporate sponsors, individuals, and fundraisers.

ORIGINS

Work for this project began through the dedicated action of a volunteer planning committee organized in 2001.  By 2004, the first BOOKMARKS festival was held to rave reviews and much success. 2011's Festival drew 7,000 attendees from the Triad and beyond. Collectively, past festivals and author events have presented more than 375 authors, chefs, and illustrators to approximately 42,000 people!

MISSION

BOOKMARKS engages and inspires readers and writers of all ages, champions literacy, promotes cultural diversity through reading, and offers enrichment and education through literary experiences celebrating books and authors.

Mark your place as a Member of BOOKMARKS today!