Minneapolis has long been considered one of America’s most literate cities, and the inaugural Loft’s Wordplay book festival which took place this weekend affirms the Twin Cities’ place as one of the most vibrant literary centers in the country. It aims to put literature at the center of civic life.
More than 5,000 people gathered for this biggest celebration of readers, writers, and great books that Minnesota has ever seen!
I was blown away by the ambitious and well-organized schedule with more than 100 exciting, challenging and engaging authors including Stephen King and Amy Tan presenting on 4 outdoor stages including a children’s stage… plus indoor stages at Open Book, Mill City and the Guthrie. With classes as well as conversations and presentations, it was very impressive!!
Of course there were also many exhibitors and food trucks. And the Loft also brought 10 authors to visit area elementary, middle and high schools.
The Loft, founded in 1974, has grown to be one of the nation’s leading independent literary centers. They moved into their current home at Open Book with Minnesota Center for Book Arts and Milkweed Editions in 2000.
Now, about 20 years later, the successful launch of their annual Wordplay book festival is bound to do nothing but grow… furthering their mission “to advance the artistic development of writers, foster a thriving literary community, and inspire a passion for literature.”
I can hardly wait until next year, when I plan to take in even more of this exceptional literary weekend of listening and sharing.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
