Writers And Books (WAB)

Description

In 1974 Writers & Books began as The Book Bus, traveling throughout the northeastern United States bringing contemporary writing and book arts to new audiences. From the tip of Maine to Kentucky, the work of new writers, photographers, and book artists made its way into the hands and minds of surprised and receptive readers in the many stops made by this modern Parnassus on Wheels. In the late 1970s, however, the rising costs of gas and other transportation expenses brought to an end this literary odyssey. In 1980 The Book Bus found a home in Rochester and became Writers & Books. Now, eighteen years later, Writers & Books is more permanently housed in a turn-of-the-century landmark building, designed by Rochester architect Claude Bragdon, on University Avenue. Literary programming has increased ten-fold since the opening of Writers & Books, and today Rochester audiences can not only purchase books by contemporary writers at our center, but also participate in the imaginative exploration of literature, and the creative process through which literature comes to life. Today, Writers & Books stands as a major arts institution in the Rochester community. As our present society begins to focus more on questions of literacy and writing skills, Writers & Books has deepened its commitment to reaching individuals of all ages and backgrounds so that they may experience the joys of reading and writing– in schools, satellite programs, and alternative settings throughout the larger community. Writers & Books has served the Rochester area since 1980, as its only nonprofit Literary Arts Center; fostering the creation, understanding, and appreciation of reading and writing. Writers & Books offers readings, presentations, classes, and workshops year-round to people of all ages and abilities. In addition, Writers & Books owns and operates the Gell Center of the Finger Lakes, a writers’ retreat center and a conference center. Genessee Reading Series, hosted by M. J. Iuppa; readings and lectures by established writers; workshops and classes on writing, reading, and publishing; research center of materials on writing and publishing; outreach programs with schools and hospitals; Gell Writers Center of the Finger Lakes – a conference center and writer’s retreat on 24 scenic acres. Writers & Books is Rochester’s literary center. WAB fosters and promotes reading and writing as lifelong activities through writing workshops, outreach programs, residency programs, an annual Festival of Reading, an annual playwright’s competition, and internships in literary programming.