LAWRENCE- The Lawrence International Book Fair’s planning committee proudly announces the lineup of events and activities of the eleventh international book fair, the most important cultural event in the city. The events are scheduled to take place at the Methuen Music Hall, the Eli-Hefni Health Allied Center at Northern Essex Community College (NECC), and the Relief Inn Hall from October 21st to October 23rd, 2016.
The organizers emphasized that the committee’s goal is “to expose the cultural richness of Hispanic culture through literature and to highlight Lawrence’s cultural image.” The theme of this year’s fair is “Guatemala, its people, its literature.” The fair is dedicated to the literary work of recognized Guatemalan writer Carolina Escobar Sarti, René Rodriguez, a posthumous tribute to Guatemalan Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Miguel Angel Asturias, and the people of Guatemala.
The planning committee also highlighted that this year’s fair will include the participation of a remarkable list of locally and internationally acclaimed contributors, speakers, writers, and artists. The list includes César Sánchez-Veras, Roberto Richardson, Grupo de poetas de Bonao, Agliberto Meléndez, Jonathan D’Oleo, Minely Sánchez, Yolanda Hernández, Leonardo Nin, Willy Ramírez, Manuel Llibre Otero, César Zapata, Farrah Hall, Sarah M. Lowe, Francisco Najera, Julio Serrano, Dr. Franklin García Fermín, Mary Rivas, José Rafael Sosa, and Dr. Martha Beato. The list of artists also includes the world-renowned violinist Aisha Syed Castro, Marimba del Sol, and the acclaimed Ángela Carrasco who will conclude the fair with a concert.
The eleventh Lawrence International Book Fair is sponsored by the following organizations: Northern Essex Community College, Regis College, Lyndon State College, AARP, Lawrence Cultural Council (a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency), and the businesses and individuals that contribute to the fair’s continued success.
About the Lawrence International Book Fair
In an effort to consolidate the literary happenings in the City of Lawrence, in 2006 Asdrovel Tejeda convened local writers and literature lovers to start a significant cultural tradition. The book fair started with events highlighting Dominican literature and then expanded to incorporate other Caribbean cultures. In the last three versions, the fair has further expanded to integrate the participation of renowned international literary figures.
The Lawrence International Book Fair board of directors is comprised of the following officers and members: Rev. Padre Joel Almonó, President; Carmenza Bruff, Vice-President; Sarah B. Pérez, Treasurer; Pilar Flores, Secretary; and board members Nieves Lajara, Rafael Disla and Alberto Rojas.
The Lawrence International Book Fair is grateful for the contributions of the following valuable volunteers: Antonia Hernández, Christian Rodriguez Morrobel, Lorena Garcia, Ángela Echavarria, Paula Vázquez, Juan Mañon, Alejandro Ramírez, Asdrovel Tejeda, Nelson Butten, Mary Rivas, Martina Cruz, Carmen Chalas, Taty Hernández, Carmen Chalas, and Janin Durán. Thanks to the support of Glennys E. Sanchez for PR assistance as well.
