The Center for Fiction has celebrated fiction readers and writers since its opening in 1821, a time when NYC had less than 200,000 residents. (The photo on their website shows horses and carriages outside the first location.) Through all the physical changes The Center for Fiction has underwent, its mission has remained the same: to connect readers and writers, and to help the growth of creativity and love for literature.

The Center for Fiction is continuing to grow to fit the needs of the existing literary community and also provide a space for new readers and writers to grow. After many years in Manhattan, The Center for Fiction is moving to downtown Brooklyn.

The new space has exciting features for all the book nerds out there, including a relaxing reading room with a library full of the latest releases and classics, and a writing room with floor to ceiling windows—a solution for any kind of writer’s block. There will also be a cafe offering snacks, wine, and coffee—and hopefully other literary companions eager to discuss their most recent read or work in progress.

An auditorium will seat over 150 people and includes technology to record the programs they hold so they can reach readers and writers that might not be able to make it to the live talk.

It doesn’t stop there: The Center for Fiction also expanded their online content for readers and writers! We’re not the only ones that are super psyched about this amazing gathering space for thinking and learning; the opening night celebration on February 19th is sold out. Don’t fret, friends. There will be many more days to explore all the greatness that The Center for Fiction has to offer.

We are thrilled to have such a cool organization join our culturally-rich Brooklyn community. Welcome to the neighborhood, Center for Fiction!