Over time, Pennsylvania has played an important role in the development of American literature. In fact, one of the most influential pieces of literature in history was written in the commonwealth, when in 1776 Thomas Jefferson penned the first draft of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. It's difficult to top that, but Pennsylvania writers over the centuries have done their best. Writers from the commonwealth include novelists Louisa May Alcott, James A. Michener, Mary Rinehart, and John Updike, non-fiction writers Ida Tarbell and Annie Dillard, playwright August Wilson, and poets Gertrude Stein and Wallace Stevens.
Where to start
For literary visitors to Pennsylvania, a great place to begin is in downtown Philadelphia's museum district, which is home to the central branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. In addition to the vast collection of books that one would expect from a major city's central library, the Free Library also has rare book collections, map collections, plus digital museums containing a variety of exciting artifacts. These artifacts include vintage postcards, medieval manuscripts, and historical pictures of Philadelphia. In all, the library has more than 6 million objects for visitors to browse. The library also hosts classes, readings, lectures, music performances, and literary fairs.
One big event held at Philadelphia's Central Library is the Philadelphia Book Festival, which takes place over a weekend in late April. With more than 130 authors and performers, plus 70 independent authors and literary exhibitors, the event attracts more than 25,000 visitors. Booths line central Philadelphia's Vine Street, while several stages present readings, panel discussion, children's entertainment, and live music. Authors attending the festival are from all over, from local poets and novelists to authors of national note. Meanwhile, music performances at the festival are performed by bands of all genres, including jazz, rock, and international music from around the world.
Philadelphia also has the 215 Festival, an event that celebrates both local and national writing and authors. The festival's particular focus is on readings, highlighting authors whose performances are as engaging as their writing itself. Organizers and participants seek to celebrate all aspects of writing and language. Events take place at theaters, restaurants, bars, and museums throughout town, and past performers have included top non-mainstream American writers. The event takes place over four days in October, with a kick-off event at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Central Library.
The capital city of Harrisburg recently introduced the Keystone Book Festival, which will debut in October of 2008. The festival will have three days of readings, workshops, and talks with published authors of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Special events will include the Keystone Book Awards, which will highlight the commonwealth's notable literary achievements. There will also be a rare book show, exhibits from illustrators, a poetry reading series, and activities for children. The festival's focus will be primarily on Pennsylvania authors, but the wide world of literature will also be celebrated.
Also in October, the city of Reading hosts Reading Reads: The Greater Reading Literary Festival. Organized by local literary people, the festival's goal is to spread the word about the Reading area's vital literary history and contemporary importance. The festival holds more than 80 events throughout town, including author signings, open mics, writing courses and workshops, book discussions, literary displays, plays, and poetry readings. Several events focus on the modernist poet Wallace Stevens, who was from Reading.
Regular readings can be found throughout the commonwealth. The major cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, plus smaller towns like Lancaster, Allentown-Bethlehem, Reading, Harrisburg, and York, all have reading series that visitors can learn about through city and town Web sites. The commonwealth is also home to many major university English and writing programs, such as those at Penn State University in State College, Chatham University in Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh. Visitors to these cities can usually find readings associated with these universities.
Bookstores for Bookworms
Of course, like any culture-rich commonwealth, Pennsylvania also has bookstores of all sizes, where visitors can both browse book selections and attend small, local events. In addition to the usual chain bookstores, most Pennsylvania towns also have specialty bookstores catering to special niches.
Founded in 1936, Robin's Bookstore is Philadelphia's oldest independent bookstore. The downtown store specializes in high-quality books, featuring many from the progressive side of the political spectrum. With a welcoming atmosphere and tons of used and new books, the store also hosts events and readings. Other independent bookstores in Philadelphia include Wooden Shoe Books and Records, House of our Own, Joseph Fox Bookshop, and the gay and lesbian-themed Giovanni's Room.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has Bookworks Inc., Jay's Bookstall, and Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Downtown Erie is home to the Erie Book Store, New Hope has Farley's Bookshop, Bloomsburg has Friar Tuck Bookshop, Carlisle has the Whistlestop Bookshop, Hanover has Reader's Café, Altoona has the Family Christian Book Store, and Bethlehem is home to the Moravian Book Shop. Visitors shouldn't miss this special shop, which, founded in 1734, bills itself as the oldest book store in the world.
Pennsylvania has a rich literary life, and new festivals and reading series are always being created. Plus, the Pennsylvania's exceptional support for arts and entertainment assures that the commonwealth will always be filled with welcoming and well-stocked libraries. In Pennsylvania, visitors looking for a little something to read won't be disappointed.
