BOOKMARKS is a nonprofit organization which offers literary experiences celebrating books and authors. Our largest – and most visible - literary experience is our annual BOOKMARKS 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, Winston-Salem, and surrounding communities.

BOOKMARKS also presents targeted, author-based events each year in our “Conversation with” Series. Authors have included: Geraldine Brooks, Elizabeth Gilbert, Jan Karon, Garrison Keillor, Sue Monk Kidd, Greg Mortenson, and Cokie Roberts.

BOOKMARKS Festival of Books is held on the second Saturday in September. Readers and writers of all ages come together in one place, on one day undefined 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. We celebrated our 7th Annual Festival on Saturday, September 10th, 2011, when our Festival brought together over 7,000 people to experience such authors as Lisa See, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Tom Perrotta, Elin Hilderbrand, Margaret Maron, Jeaniene Frost, and Martha Southgate.

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 bilingual storytime, as well as a chef, Sandra Gutierrez, who gave her cooking demonstration in Spanish and English.

The festival includes Young Readers Central, a specific area designed and targeted for children and families, complete with its own variety of venues. These venues present authors as well as reading-related creative and interactive activities such as: making bookmarks, creating reading-related arts and crafts projects, 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 with them.

Outreach includes festival authors visiting schools during the week prior to the festival. In 2011, this included: 

• Dallas Clayton - Reynolds High School students
  
• Dallas Clayton - Family Services Inc. and Head Start
  
• Gran'daddy Junebug - Brunson Elementary School 
• Scott Douglas - East Forsyth High School Cross Country Team 
• Shana Norris - 10th grade honors English students at North Forsyth High School
• Henry Neff - Sherwood Elementary School
  
• Marc MacAllister with NC Zoo Society - Philo Middle School 7th Graders
  
• Martha Southgate - Winston-Salem State University
• Joe Glatthaar - High Point University History Department
• Jamie Gilson - Moore Elementary School

BOOKMARKS 2012 will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2012. 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 foundations, grants, 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. Each festival since, the event has drawn over 7,000 attendees from the Triad and beyond. Collectively, past festivals and author events have presented more than 400 authors, chefs, and illustrators to approximately 43,000 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!