The countdown timer on the LOC webpage says it’s under 12 hours now till the Bookfest kicks off, and while I’m probably above-average (or below average, if you ask my lower back as I pack and move this weekend) in my book fetishism, I have to say two things in response to this.

One, really, we’re calling midnight the start time? Are there a lot of events tonight at midnight? Will Joyce Carol Oats ^[1] and Terry Pratchett ^[2] be rolling at the LOC-sponsored rave tonight? Someone warn Holly Black ^[3] to stay off the brown acid, one of the brains behind the Spiderwick Chronicles doesn’t need yet more trippy imagery in her head.

Two, a countdown timer? Again, big book fiend here, but is anyone really counting the minutes to this shindig? You’re watching too many Halo 3 commercials, folks. “Saturday” would have done well enough. Toss an exclamation point in if you really feel the need.

The main page advertising the event is here ^[4] but personally what I am always interested in at a book fair is the authors, who are listed by category here ^[5]and alphabetically by name here ^[6]. If you’re an autograph hound – or just one of us with a somewhat constrained schedule – the signing schedule is here. ^[7] All the other non-time-sensitive stuff is listed out by pavilion over here. ^[8]