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MIAMI BOOK FAIR 3
Lopez and Mendez took time out of their
incredibly busy schedules to chat with PW
about this year’s Miami Book Fair, what
they’re most looking forward to, and what
people should do when visiting sunny Miami.
What’s new at the show this year? What’s
changed? And what key aspects of the
show remain constant?
Lopez: One of the best things about the Fair is
that it is a brand-new event every year! All of the
books are newly published and the authors vary
year to year, so all of the readings and conversa-
tions will be diff erent from any previous show.
What remains a constant are things that make
the Miami Book Fair truly special—our home
at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus in
downtown, for example. Th e Fair was founded
here and having this easily accessible urban
campus, and all of the MDC employees who
volunteer, truly makes it possible for us to build
an event that off ers such variety. Our programs
for children are one key aspect that we take
great pride in. Th e authors and activities are
diff erent from year to year, but our areas for
playing and learning, such as Children’s Al-
ley—a plaza of pop-ups inside which kids learn
about tech, music, health, and much more—re-
main in place, as do our live music, our “literary
quirkiness” stage, and our author events in
Spanish and Haitian Creole.What makes this book fair unique to
Miami?
Mendez: All the sunshine! And the aforemen-
tioned Spanish-language and Haitian Creole
author programs. Miami is home to Hispanics
from all over the world, as well as a sizeable
community of Haitians and other Caribbean
people—both of us are of Caribbean-born
parents. We work very hard to ensure that all
South Floridians feel included.What are some of the show highlights?
What are each of you looking forward to
personally?
Lopez: I love the variety of authors and top-
ics. Lissett e started coming to the Fair while
in high school, and the many author programs
I att ended throughout the years really opened
up my world and helped me discover and
learn. I owe half my education to the Fair, and
I want to make sure that others have the same
opportunities I did.
Mendez: I look forward to our children’s pro-
grams. I get a huge thrill and a giant smile onmy face knowing that our community’s chil-
dren—from the 9,000-plus schoolchildren
who come on fi eld trips to the 10,000-plus
who come with family on the weekend—are
growing up with access to books.For people from out of town, what are
some must-visit spots in Miami?
Mendez: I’m a South Beach native, so I rec-
ommend a quick ride over the causeway from
the Fair to the Standard Hotel for a spa day
or just a lunch at their outdoor restaurant on
the bay, Th e Lido. Th e Standard is Lissett e’s
favorite place to hide out, relax, eat healthy,
and read by the ocean.
Lopez: If you like to shop, Delia recom-
mends visiting Brickell City Centre and
Lincoln Road in South Beach. Don’t miss the
Wynwood Walls with its huge, colorful street
murals by artists from around the world. Not
very far from the Fair, Midtown Miami and
the Design District feature some interesting
shops and restaurants. If you are more into
tranquility and nature, Delia also suggests the
Oleta River State Park or Matheson Ham-
mock Park for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing.
November is the perfect time of year for
outdoor fun.Th e Miami Book Fair’s director of operations, Delia Lopez, and director of programs, Lissett e Mendez, have been
working together for 15 years By Billy K. Mumford