Brooklyn’s Central Library buzzed today as the NYC Book Fair drew 10,000. Over 120 publishers—indie to Knopf—sold 12,000 books; a Harlem poet’s $15 debut sold 400. Free author talks packed the plaza—Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Q&A drew 600; X hit 8,000 posts. Kids’ storytime at 1 p.m.—300 tots laughed. NYC’s literary soul—Brooklyn reads.
Organizer Lena Park, 39, mixed local zines with big names—diversity shone. A Queens novelist’s bodega memoir sold out; fans lined up. Pop-up poetry slams at 4 p.m.—teens spat fire; crowd snapped. Sun hit 70°F—readers lounged on steps. Library’s vibe—NYC’s word heart.
It’s not perfect—main hall jammed; lines hit 20 minutes. Some wanted more sci-fi—lit fic ruled stalls. Still, 120 booths, 10K readers—fair’s a hit. Post-event, Flatbush cafés buzzed—book talk flowed. Annual rite—NYC turns pages.
Park’s 39—literary star? Poet’s 24—voice rises. Brooklyn read; NYC glowed. Book Fair—words win.
