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Schedule

Since the first Ohioana Book Festival was held with ten authors in 2007, the festival has given readers the opportunity to connect with their favorite Ohio writers. After three years of virtual events, we are back in person this year, on April 22, at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Library, 10:30am-4:30pm!

OHIOANA BOOK FESTIVAL: APRIL 22, 2023

Purchase books at www.bookloft.com


THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!

Full 2023 Ohioana Book Festival schedule coming very soon!

Panel Discussions and Roundtables

*All events are in-person, unless otherwise noted.

*Please note: all events and panelists are subject to change.

FridaySaturdaySundayIndividual Author ContentOutreach EventsMedia Appearances

Friday, April 29

10:00am, PRE-RECORDED

Building a Mystery

Join our panelists as they discuss their works of thrilling, chilling mystery stories, full of twists and turns.

Moderator: Robin Nesbitt

Panelists: Karina Bartow, Connie Berry, TG Wolff, Robin Yocum

Watch on YouTube!


11:00am, LIVE

Buckeye True Crime

Join us for some incredible stories of Ohio’s most notorious crimes and criminals. 

Moderator: Bill Eichenberger

Panelists: Thomas Crowl, Mark Sebastian Jordan, Wendy Koile

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


12:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

Telling True Stories in Children’s Books

These authors will discuss their writing process and motivation for writing books about real-life people and historical events, in books for young readers.

Moderator: Jody Casella

Panelists: Keila V. Dawson, Andrea Hall, Leigh Lewis, Julie K. Rubini

Watch on YouTube!


1:00pm, LIVE

All Are Welcome

A Celebration of Community and Diversity in books for younger readers.

Moderator: Desiree Thomas

Panelists: Marcy Campbell, S.R.D. Harris, Dia Mixon, Nomar Perez

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


2:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

Exploring New Worlds

This panel features a group of authors who publish exciting stories of science fiction and fantasy for a younger audience.

Moderator: Laura Bickle

Panelists: Sarah Anne Carter, Bryan Prosek, Sam Subity

Watch on YouTube!


3:00pm, LIVE

2022 National Poetry Month Celebration

Celebrate National Poetry Month with readings and conversation between some of Ohio’s best and brightest poets. 

Moderator: Kari Gunter-Seymour

Panelists: George Bilgere, Marianne Chan, Pauletta Hansel, Wendy McVicker

Presented by: Ohio Poetry Association

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


4:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

A Journey to the Past: Historical Fiction

Join our panelists to discuss their stories set in certain historical time periods and how they came to write these popular and exciting novels.

Moderator: Hagan Faye Whiteleather

Panelists: Kinley Bryan, Barbara Kussow, Tracy Lawson, Emilia Rosa

Watch on YouTube!


5:00pm, LIVE

Love at First Sight

Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, all of these romantic books for young adults will sweep you off your feet.

Moderator: Shari Goldhagen

Panelists: Chelsea Bobulski, Kristy Boyce, Jennifer Ann Shore

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


7:00pm, LIVE

Pajama Story Time with Michelle Houts

2022 Ohioana Book Festival author Michelle Houts reads her book The Barn at Night, a sweet, gentle story, perfect for tucking kids into bed. Put on your pjs and join Michelle in store at Cover to Cover, or online at the link below!

Moderator: Bryan Loar

Panelist: Michelle Houts

Presented by: Cover to Cover Children’s Books

Link to re-play coming soon!

Saturday, April 30


11:00am, LIVE

Thrills and Chills for Teens and Tweens

Our expert panel of award-winning authors of genre fiction for young readers. 

Moderator: Meg Brown

Panelists: Margaret Peterson Haddix, Mindy McGinnis, Natalie Richards, Mar Romasco Moore

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


12:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

Draw and Tell with Will Hillenbrand

Check out the special “Ohioana Book Festival” section on Will’s website for some amazing “Draw and Tell” video sessions!


1:00pm, LIVE

Ohio Art Road Trip

Join these authors for some history and insight about unique places, people, and works of art and architecture in Ohio.

Moderator: David Barnes

Panelists: Carole Genshaft, Michael Griffith, Dorri Steinhoff

Presented by: Columbus Metropolitan Library

Watch the re-play on Crowdcast!


2:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

The Story of a Life

Four writers discuss their process and experience in writing and adapting stories about real-life people and events, for readers of all ages.  

Moderator: Gillian Berchowitz

Panelists: Gloria G. Adams, Michelle Fishpaw, Marilyn S. Greenwald, John Thorndike

Watch on YouTube!


3:00pm, LIVE

In The Studio

Travel into the art studio with these multi-talented illustrators, for a peek at their illustration processes and work spaces.

Moderator: Ben Sapp

Panelists: Tom Batiuk, Becky Gehrisch, Jacob Grant, Joe Sutphin

Presented by: University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


4:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

The World in Verse

A celebration of poetry, from a group of renowned poets, who tell their truth in verse – how they see the world and the people around them – in a celebration of words.

Moderator: Steve Abbott

Panelists: Pamela R. Anderson, William Heath, Kip Knott

Presented by: Ohio Poetry Association

Watch on YouTube!


5:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

Spotlight on Middle Grade & Chapter Books

Join these authors of books for younger readers for a discussion on their work and writing process.

Moderator: Kathryn Powers

Panelists: Rachele Alpine, Allison & Wayne Marks, Tricia Springstubb

Watch on YouTube!


6:00pm, LIVE

Cocktails and Conversation with Thrity Umrigar

Former Ohio Poet Laureate Dave Lucas conducts a one-on-one, in-depth interview with award-winning journalist and novelist Thrity Umrigar.

Moderator: Dave Lucas

Panelist: Thrity Umrigar

Watch the re-play on YouTube!

Sunday, May 1


9:00am, LIVE

Coffee and Conversation with Wil Haygood

Dr. Dan Shellenbarger of the Ohio Channel conducts an in-depth, one-on-one interview with award-winning author Wil Haygood.

Moderator: Dan Shellenbarger

Panelist: Wil Haygood

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


10:00am, PRE-RECORDED

Cozy Mystery Corner

Grab a cup of tea and your favorite furry friend to enjoy this discussion with a group of Ohio’s most beloved cozy mystery authors.

Moderator: Robin Nesbitt

Panelists: Bree Baker, Mary Ellis, Amanda Flower, Olivia Matthews

Watch on YouTube!


11:00am, LIVE

The Art of Poetry

Join these poets for insights into their creative process and to hear some of their soaring, inspirational poetry.

Moderator: Chuck Salmons

Panelists: Darren C. Demaree, Manuel Iris, Paula J. Lambert, Myrna Stone, Laura Grace Weldon

Presented by: Ohio Poetry Association

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


12:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

Art & Stories with Jeffrey Ebbeler

Learn all about Jeffrey and how to draw the Giant and Molly from his book A Giant Mess!


1:00pm, LIVE 

Appalachian Stories

Appalachian Ohio is home to a diverse population and a unique landscape. Join these authors as they celebrate the trials and triumphs of the Appalachian spirit in fiction.

Moderator: Joe Miller

Panelists: Janet Beard, Tiffany McDaniel, Carter Sickels, Jamie-Lyn Smith

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library

Watch the re-play on Crowdcast!


2:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

Don’t Turn Out the Lights!

Three of Ohio’s most creative and dynamic writers of horror fiction and poetry discuss how to scare and thrill readers.

Moderator: Mark Dawidziak

Panelists: Leanna Renee Hieber, E.F. Schraeder, Lucy A. Snyder

Watch on YouTube!


3:00pm, LIVE 

Choose to Read Ohio

Choose to Read Ohio spotlights Ohio authors and promotes reading across Ohio. The State Library of Ohio, Ohioana Library Association and Ohio Center for the Book encourage Ohioans of all ages to read and enjoy books together. Each CTRO booklist highlights selected books for a two-calendar-year promotion. Join current and former CTRO authors as they discuss these fantastic books.

Moderator: Terry Tocchi

Panelists: e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Sharon M. Draper, Tracy Subisak, Terri Libenson

Presented by: CTRO

Watch the re-play on YouTube!


4:00pm, PRE-RECORDED

The Wonders of the Natural World

Plants, animals, and the beauty of nature are on display in the books by these talented authors.

Moderator: David Siders

Panelists: Raffaele Di Lallo, John D. Harder, Mary Newman, Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Presented by: Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

Watch on YouTube!


5:00pm, LIVE

Historical Mystery

Join our authors as they discuss their works of mystery, all set in specific time periods.

Moderator: Claudia Plumley

Panelists: Erin Flanagan, Nancy Herriman, Anna Lee Huber, Jess Montgomery

Watch the re-play on YouTube!

Individual Author Content


Our authors have been hard at work putting together content for you! Please check here for playlists and links to readings, book trailers, story times, and more!


Outreach Events

Some of our programs and activities featuring Ohioana Book Festival authors take place before the main event, beginning on April 12, 2023. All are free and open to the public!


Wednesday, April 12, 2023 7:00 – 8:00pm:

Gramercy Books Presents: Andrew Welsh-Huggins

Join freelance writer and novelist Andrew Welsh-Huggins to learn about The End of the Road, his fast-paced thriller about a woman’s quest to avenge her boyfriend’s shooting. Welsh-Huggins will be in conversation with acclaimed writer Lee Martin. Gramercy Books 2424 East Main Street Columbus, OH 43209

Moderator: Lee Martin

Presented & Hosted by: Gramercy Books

More information

Register on Eventbrite (in-person event)


Friday, April 21, 2023, 7:00pm – 8:00pm:

The Streetlight Guild Presents: Manuel Iris

As part of the 2023 Ohioana Book Festival, The Streetlight Guild will be presenting a reading & signing by Cincinnati poet Manuel Iris.
The Streetlight Guild: 1367 E. Main St. Columbus OH 43205

Moderator: Scott Woods

Presented & Hosted by: The Streetlight Guild

More information

Facebook Event Page


Thursday, April 20, 2023, 11:00am:

Ohioana Book Festival Authors on VOICEcorps

VOICEcorps enriches lives by reading printed news and information to people who are blind, have low vision, or other conditions that prevent reading. Several of our 2022 Ohioana Book Festival authors will record a discussion panel for this wonderful reading service.

Moderator: David Weaver

Panelists:

Presented & Hosted by: VOICEcorps


Friday, April 21, 2023, 11:00am:

Ohioana Book Festival Authors on VOICEcorps

VOICEcorps enriches lives by reading printed news and information to people who are blind, have low vision, or other conditions that prevent reading. Several of our 2022 Ohioana Book Festival authors will record a discussion panel for this wonderful reading service.

Moderator: David Weaver

Panelists:

Presented & Hosted by: VOICEcorps T


Sunday, May 1, 1:00pm

Book Signing with Mar Romasco Moore at the Book Loft of German Village

Meet Mar Romasco Moore, author and writing professor at CCAD! You can pre-purchase a copy of her new book here.

From the author of Some Kind of Animal comes a wildly unique story about an invisible girl struggling to see herself in a world obsessed with appearances.

This event was IN-PERSON, FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.


Wednesday, May 4, 4:00pm

Author Visit with Mar Romasco Moore and Donte Woods-Spikes at Parsons Library Branch, 1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

Hear talks from two authors featured at the Ohioana Book Festival and learn about their paths to becoming authors! Teen, ages 12-17.

This event was IN-PERSON, FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.


Saturday, May 7, 11:00am-12:30pm

Author visit and signing with Mindy McGinnis and Natalie D. Richards at Paragraphs Bookstore, 229 S. Main St., Mt. Vernon, OH 43050

This event was IN-PERSON, FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.


Media Appearances


Ohioana Book Festival to Make In-Person Return with More than 120 Authors – by Nancy Gilson, The Columbus Dispatch (January 13, 2023)


2023 Ohioana Book Festival Features KSU Authors – Kent State University Press (January 20, 2023)


What To See and Do in Columbus This Season – by Jason Brill and Brett Price, Ohio Magazine (March/April 2023)


Columbus Makes Art Presents: Author Mar Romasco Moore of I Am the Ghost in Your House – by David Weaver (4/28/22)



The Ohio Literary Trail/Ohioana Book Festival on Page Count, the new podcast from Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library (4/26/22)


Books Selected for the 2023 & 2024 Choose to Read Ohio Booklist (4/26/22)

Much more to come!