BEA Booms in Chicago: Librarians Attend Reinvigorated Show in Record Numbers, while Publishers Show Their Wares; Clinton Keynote Draws Rapt Crowd

BookExpo America (BEA) had some extra zing this year, especially for librarians. A record 1800 library professionals preregistered for the book fair in Chicago, June 3-6, a leap beyond the 750 last year in Los Angeles. They found an industry that has shaken off post-9/11 doldrums. Bill Clinton's keynote to kick off the show and promote My Life (Knopf) reminded many why they wished he could run again. Saying he "tried to show how this one little story was part of America's big story," Clinton gave a 45-minute history of America intertwined with his own. Clinton spent much of his childhood listening to the recollections of family and friends, so when he went into politics, "I had an enormous advantage... because I liked people and I liked to listen to their stories." The article continues with a listing of other book titles featured at this event.