6 Organizations And Events Dedicated To Literature
Literary culture is vast and multifaceted, sustained by publishers, educational institutions, individuals, and organizations that teach and honor the written word. The groups here are among those upholding the importance of books, offering resources and events for readers and writers everywhere. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
6 Groups That Celebrate the Written Word
| Name | About |
|---|---|
| The Evelyn Waugh Society | Promotes, for the public benefit, interest and research into the life and works of the English author Evelyn Waugh |
| Bookmarks | Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based literary arts nonprofit organization and independent bookstore that works to ignite the love of reading |
| Writing WA | Implements programs and initiatives to champion writers, publishers, and other practitioners in Western Australia's writing sector |
| LitFest Pasadena | Connects the Pasadena and greater Los Angeles communities with literature and local authors through a full weekend of literary programs hosted in venues across the historic Playhouse District |
| Napa Valley Writers’ Conference | Provides literary fellowship and a craft-focused experience among the foothills and vineyards that have made the region famous |
| Mechanics’ Institute | A center for intellectual and cultural advancement in San Francisco's financial district, it serves individuals and families throughout the Bay Area with a vibrant library, expert instruction, and a calendar of cultural events, programs, and classes |
How and Why We Read
Important Literacy Statistics
- 12%: Percentage of world population that could read and write in 1820
- 86%: Percentage that could read and write in 2015
- 2/3: Illiterate people worldwide who are women
- 85%: Juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system that are functionally illiterate
- More than 60%: Prison inmates who are functionally illiterate
- 90%: Welfare recipients who are high school dropouts
- 2/3: Students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade that end up in jail or on welfare
- 53%: Percentage of fourth grade students who said they read for recreation
- 20%: Percentage of eighth grade students who said the same
- 30 million: Number of U.S. adults who cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third-grade level
- 1/6: Young adults who drop out of high school
10 Great Movies About Writers
- The Third Man (1949)
- A Quiet Passion (2016)
- Barton Fink (1991)
- Adaptation. (2002)
- Kill Your Darlings (2013)
- Shakespeare in Love (1998)
- Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
- The End of the Tour (2015)
- Capote (2005)
- Sunset Boulevard (1950)
The Power of the Written Word
In Depth
For lovers of literature, there are no shortage of ways to celebrate this art form, whether it's visiting a local independent book store, joining a literary society, or attending a writer's conference. Here, in no particular order, are groups focused on providing opportunities to pay tribute to the written word.
Starting off the list at #1 is the Evelyn Waugh Society. This nonprofit organization focuses on promoting interest and research into the life and works of the English author, Evelyn Waugh. It is also a resource for biographies and memoirs of the novelist, such as Fathers and Sons: The Autobiography of a Family, written by his grandson, Alexander.
In 1928, Waugh published his first novel, Decline and Fall, which drew on his stint as a schoolmaster. He followed up with Vile Bodies, which Time magazine called wickedly witty and iridescent. The author's most acclaimed work, Brideshead Revisited, was selected by Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of the century, while the New York Times hailed it as his finest achievement.
In 1928, Waugh published his first novel, Decline and Fall, which drew on his stint as a schoolmaster.
Coming in at #2 is Bookmarks, a literary arts nonprofit organization and independent bookstore in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. One of its signature events, the Festival of Books and Authors, features panel discussions, signings, lectures, and workshops. Past writers in attendance include investigative journalist Billy Jensen and John Grisham.
Other popular events include Movable Feast, which similar to speed dating, rotates authors among guests seated at round tables for conversation. Its Teen Advisory Council is an initiative that invites local high school students to assist with young adult programming, help plan events, and review advance copies of books.
In the #3 slot is Writing WA. Among the programs it offers to local governments, libraries, and regional communities is Writers on the Road. This bespoke one day mini festival offers such options as workshops, author talks, literary lunches, and its popular Pyjama Party for children and families.
Among the programs it offers to local governments, libraries, and regional communities is Writers on the Road.
Book clubs in search of reading recommendations can sign up to receive Writing WA's monthly newsletter, Love to Read Local. Each edition contains detailed information on the organization's Book of the Month, along with accompanying notes designed to prompt discussion. Genres include crime, memoirs, literary fiction, and young adult.
Entering the list at #4 is LitFest Pasadena. Its mission is to connect the Pasadena and greater Los Angeles communities with local writers through a full weekend of programs hosted in venues across the historic Playhouse District. Events encompass readings, author guest talks, and panel discussions. Past participants include Janet Fitch, author of White Oleander, and Joe Ide, who writes the IQ Series.
A highlight of the weekend is the presentation of the Tomorrow Prize for short science fiction. The competition encourages high school students to produce original speculative stories. Its adult equivalent, the Roswell Award is designed to inspire up and coming writers from around the world. Women Hold Up Half the Sky recognizes works with strong female protagonists and feminist themes. Celebrity guests read the winning entries on stage.
Women Hold Up Half the Sky recognizes works with strong female protagonists and feminist themes.
Up next at #5 is the Napa Valley Writers' Conference. Founded in 1981, it focuses on helping experienced writers develop their work. Participants register for either the poetry, fiction, or translation workshops, which meet for two hours daily over five days. A wine reception along with readings, panels, and lectures are open to the general public during conference week.
The fiction workshops explore such elements as narrative technique, use of language, characterization, and realization of a theme or idea. Participants work exclusively with one faculty member who provides a brief tutorial on individual manuscripts. Through the Host a Writer program, local residents can provide lodging for conference attendees in exchange for complimentary entry into daytime lectures and evening readings.
Wrapping up the list at #6 is the Mechanics' Institute. Located in the financial district of San Francisco, it is a general interest library, chess club, and cultural center. It hosts writers' workshops, book groups, film screenings, and community gatherings. Members also have access to the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla.
It hosts writers' workshops, book groups, film screenings, and community gatherings.
Its Meet the Authors series features readings, signings, and discussions. In partnership with local groups such as Hinterland West and the San Francisco Writers Conference, the Mechanics' Institute offers courses on a wide array of topics including the history of crime fiction, and seminars on imagery in writing. The organization has been featured in Publishers Weekly and The Sacramento Bee.
