The Miami Book Fair International, which takes place from November 4th through the 11th, is a place where people of all ages can gather to enjoy books and good literature from around the world. In its 24th year, the fair is proud to promote education and literacy in the City of Miami. They foster a love of reading that will surely follow the children who attend for the rest of their lives. They also provide adults with the chance to hear talks given by prize winning writers and pick up some new reading material as well!

Last year's fair featured an impressive mix of topics and authors. There were lectures on creating fictional art, writing and getting published, and the author/agent relationship. There were evenings with authors such as Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes; Pulitzer Prize winner Edward P. Jones; Columnist Arianna Huffigton; and Tomas Cahill. Cahill is the author of the critically acclaimed Hinges of History. His latest book in the series deals with the Middle Ages. This year's speakers are sure to be just as impressive!

The Miami Book Fair International is such an important part of South Florida's cultural scene that it was even called the fair all other fairs should aspire to be by the New York Times. The fair is kept going each year by the Friends of the Fair, a program that offers many benefits. Among these are free admission to the Street fair, a coupon book that's good at any Book Fair vendor, and you will be able to register for workshops and classes at a discount. You will also be the first to get the latest news on book fair events, invitations to the Author's party, accessories and more depending on what level of membership you choose. To see all the membership level's benefits and costs, check out http://www.miamibookfair.com.

Besides the lectures and readings, there is also a Children's Alley. This is a new event that just started last year, designed to foster a love of books in children. Last year, kids were able to meet Wilbur and other character from the book "Charlotte's Web" as well as listening to a reading of the classic Dr. Suess books and the popular Harry Potter series. They also got the chance to learn about germs and how to keep safe from them as well as dressing up like fire fighters and learn about Target's Book Club through a series of shows that delighted the kids and led their imaginations to places only books can take them.

The highlight of the event is, of course, the street fair. This gives visitors the chance to purchase books from a wide variety of exhibitors. Last year's participants included the ACLU, Bouncing Ball Books, Bookleggers Used Books and Llumina Press. Be sure to keep up with the fair's website so you will be up-to-date on new vendors and events and to plan your own trip to the fair. It is sure to be a "can not miss stop" for families and adults looking for things to do in Miami.