BTW News Briefs

ABA Members at BEA Invited to Attend Launch of Brooklyn Book Festival

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and the Brooklyn Literary Council invite ABA member booksellers to a Literary Mingle and Reception on Thursday, May 28, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Rotunda, Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street (Between Court & Adams Streets). The Brooklyn Borough Hall is steps away from Hotel ABA, the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, in Brooklyn. The Literary Mingle celebrates the launch of the 2009 Brooklyn Book Festival. ABA members are invited, but must RSVP in order to attend.

To RSVP call (718) 802-3530 or e-mail [email protected]. Festive attire.

President Obama: Small Businesses the "Engine of Our Economy"

The nation's top entrepreneurs are being hailed this week at the U.S. Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week events May 17 - 19, in Washington, D.C. This marks the 56th anniversary of the agency, and the 46th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week runs from May 17 - May 23.

On May 15, in a proclamation given by President Barack Obama, he stated that entrepreneurs and small business owners are "the engine of our economy." Citing the importance of small businesses to the U.S. economy, Obama said, "Small businesses are the lifeblood of cities and towns across the country. Over the last decade, small businesses created 70 percent of new jobs, and they are responsible for half of all jobs in the private sector... Small businesses will lead the way to prosperity, particularly in today's challenging economic environment."

The president called upon government officials, industry leaders, and advocates across the nation to encourage citizens to celebrate the achievements of small business owners and support the creation of new businesses.

New Media Zone at BEA

BookExpo America (BEA) has announced details of its New Media Zone -- a dedicated area in the center of the show floor that is designed to attract attendees who are interested in learning about new media technology as well as to provide a home for lit bloggers who may be looking for a place to sit down, plug in, and blog about their experience at BEA.  The New Media Zone will be located in the heart of the show floor, directly through the main entrance, and halfway back. 

Librarians "Shout and Share" Their Top BEA Picks

The Association of American Publishers' Trade Libraries Committee is offering a first-of-its-kind program at BookExpo America 2009. Eight librarians from across the country will "buzz" about their picks for the hottest books of 2009. Entitled "Librarian's Book Shout and Share," the librarians will scour BEA and then present the titles they think patrons will be lining up for at libraries nationwide. Librarians in the audience are encouraged to weigh in. The program will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in room IE14 at the Javits Center. The program is open to all BEA Attendees.