A new name and logo for the Small Press Center made its official debut on May 31, 2007, when it hosted a cocktail reception at its century old landmark building located at 20 West 44th Street, in midtown Manhattan. The guest of honor was Barney Rosset, founder of the groundbreaking, independent Grove Press.

"Our new name more accurately describes who we are," said Lloyd J. Jassin, Chair of the NYCIP Executive Committee. "Since its founding in 1984, the Center has combined unparalleled educational programs, with fabulous networking opportunities for independent publishers and other industry professionals. Our name served us well over the decades, but didn't reflect who we had become - a vibrant center for the publishing community. Many of our programs take place in the main reading room of The General Society Library. A large part of our brand is our century old library building and our unparalleled access to the publishing industry's movers and shakers - both from the commercial and independent press worlds." "With all new membership benefits, a new website, and an ever-expanding calendar of events, the NYCIP will continue be the go-to place for independent publishers seeking to network with industry insiders while gaining a more competitive edge in today's marketplace" said Karin Taylor, the Center's longstanding Executive Director.

In addition to re-launching the organization, the NYCIP also sponsored a host of programs at the BEA (BookExpo America), including: an interview with esteemed author Walter Mosley, a panel discussion on the future of independent publishing with Akashic Books, Soft Skull, Manic D and Melville House, moderated by Sara Nelson, Editor-in-chief of Publishers Weekly, and a Meet the Experts event with industry insiders Marcella Smith (Director of Small Press and Vendor Relations for Barnes & Noble), Sarah Gold (Senior Non-Fiction Editor at Publishers Weekly) and others.

The History of the NYCIP

The NYCIP's historical seedbed as the home of independent publishing dates back to 1831, when James Harper, one of the original four Harper Brothers, joined as an active member of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, which has housed the Center since its inception. NYCIP's signature programs will include: the Annual Independent and Small Press Book Fair, National Small Press Month and its host of reading marathons, lectures and publishing workshops, the Annual New York Round Table Writers' Conference, and the Annual NYSCA funded series, Emerging Voices: Writers Published by Groundbreaking independent presses. In addition to such public programs, the Center will also be granting a yearly NYCIP Award to a publisher who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of independent publishing. For complete details on annual and upcoming events and initiatives, visit www.nycip.org.

The launch of the NYCIP on Thursday, May 31, speaks to the steadfast growth of independent publishing, and to the 80,000 presses who are collectively laboring for the good of literature. Never have resources for independent publishers been as crucial as they are now!

About the NYCIP

The NYCIP was founded in 1984, and is an educational program of The General Society of the Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York. The NYCIP provides access to education and expertise in the field of independent publishing, encouraging excellence and free expression in publishing through workshops, lectures, book fairs, exhibits, and a reference collection. The NYCIP's public programs take place in main reading room of The General Society Library. The reading room soars to a height of three stories and is topped by a magnificent skylight. The building was purchased in 1899 and expanded in 1903 through gifts from member Andrew Carnegie. Recent events at the NYCIP have featured Richard Ford, Alice Walker, Michael Cunningham, Walter Mosley, and, of course, America's leading independent publishers.

About the General Society

The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen was founded in 1785 to provide cultural, educational and social services to families of skilled craftsmen, and remains committed to its 218 year old mission of improving the quality of life through education; sharing and furthering the history of skilled craft; and promoting independent publishing.

Source: www.nycip.org

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