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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

Thank you to all of our authors, sponsors, partners, vendors, board, staff, volunteers, friends, fans, and attendees who made the 2023 Ohioana Book Festival such a wonderful day! Please check back soon for information about future Ohioana events.

Purchase books at www.bookloft.com


*All events are in-person at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Library at 96 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, OH 43215, unless otherwise noted. Parking is available in the Library’s parking garage or in the Encova lot near South Washington Avenue and Franklin Avenue. Click here for a Google Street View map.

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

Book SigningsFood TrucksAuthor PanelsLive Author ReadingsLive Poetry ReadingsChildren’s Author and Illustrator StorytimesLive Podcast SessionsOutreach EventsMedia Appearances

Book Signings

10:30am – 5:00pm

Meet your favorite authors and get your books signed, throughout the festival.

Presented by: Greater Columbus Arts Council

Reading Room, 2nd Floor



Food Trucks

11:30am – 3:00pm

Zaki Grill and Empanadas and More

Kaufman Plaza on Library Park North



Author Panels


Opening Ceremony 10:15am – 10:30am

Join Honorary Chairs Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine and other special guests for the opening ceremony of the 2023 Ohioana Book Festival.

Presented by: Ohioana Library Association

Atrium, 1st Floor

Panel Session One: 10:45am-11:30am

Historical Mystery: Books from these authors feature tales of mystery and suspense featuring real people, places, and periods in history.

Moderator: Carrie Bebris

Panelists: Amanda Flower, Anastasia Hastings, Nancy Herriman, Jess Montgomery, Emilia Rosa

Presented by: Ohio Humanities

Auditorium


Middle Grade Fiction: Featuring a panel of veteran and newbie authors of books for Middle Grade readers.

Moderator: Meg Brown

Panelists: Margaret Peterson Haddix, Jeff Miller, Stacy Nockowitz, Erik Jon Slangerup, Tricia Springstubb

Presented by: Honda

Room 1A


Writing a Great Biography: Four writers will reveal their process and experience in writing and adapting stories about real-life people and events.

Moderator: David Weaver

Panelists: Mark Dawidziak, Leanna Renee Hieber, Chiquita Mullins Lee, Carmella Van Vleet

Presented by: Ariel Corporation

Room 2B


Panel Session Two: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

Ohio Road Trip: Get some great ideas for an Ohio vacation, as these writers discuss food, attractions, and great places to visit around the Buckeye State.

Moderator: Betty Weibel

Panelists: Matthew Caracciolo, Renee Casteel Cook, John W. Kropf, Steven Rosen

Presented by: Ohio Humanities

Auditorium


Writing LGBTQ+ Genre Fiction: These four authors will explore the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and themes in genre fiction.   

Moderator: Kristen Lepionka

Panelists: Meredith Doench, Mar Romasco-Moore, Lucy A. Snyder, Marie Vibbert

Presented by: Honda

Room 1A


The Art of Picture Books: A look into the creative process with some of Ohio’s most amazing writer/illustrators.

Moderator: Claudia Plumley

Panelists: Tim Bowers, Katie Mazeika, Merrill Rainey, Blythe Russo

Presented by: Ariel Corporation

Room 2B


Panel Session Three: 1:15pm – 2:00pm

Ohio Center for the Book Presents Page Count Live: Join host Laura Maylene Walter for a live recording of OCFTB’s Page Count podcast, featuring Ohio writers’ views on “Turning Points in a Writing Career.”

Moderator: Laura Maylene Walter

Panelists: Mindy McGinnis, Ric S. Sheffield, Judith Turner-Yamamoto, Andrea Wang, Felicia Zamora

Hosted by: Ohio Center for the Book

Presented by: Ohio Humanities

Listen to the recording

Auditorium


All Are Welcome: A Celebration of community and inclusion in books for younger readers.

Moderator: Dionne Custer Edwards

Panelists: Frederick Luis Aldama, Marcy Campbell, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Keila V. Dawson, Samuel Narh

Presented by: Honda

Room 1A


Women’s Fiction: Join a panel of four best-selling and award-winning authors to talk about their own work and their favorite female-focused reads, and why the representation of fictional women as powerful protagonists matters to women and girls today.

Moderator: Robin Nesbitt

Panelists: Sara Siddiqui Chansarkar, Erin Flanagan, Jen Knox, Kerry Rea, Jessica Strawser

Presented by: Ariel Corporation

Room 2B


Panel Session Four: 2:30pm – 3:15pm

Cozy Mystery: A fun chat about what makes a “cozy” mystery and why this genre is so enduringly popular.

Moderator: Kandy Williams

Panelists: Abby Collette, Eileen Curley Hammond, Kathryn Long, Olivia Matthews

Presented by: Ohio Humanities

Auditorium


Ohio History: A look into the rich and varied history of the Buckeye State.

Moderator: Todd Kleismit

Panelists: David Meyers, Elise Meyers Walker, Larisa Harper, Kathy Schulz, Jane Ann Turzillo

Presented by: Honda

Room 1A


Writing Genre Fiction for Young Readers: Is your story a mystery, romance, fantasy, or something you’ve invented? These authors will give their tips on how to tell a great story no matter what genre it is, with a focus on younger readers.

Moderator: Jody Casella

Panelists: Breshea Anglen, Kristy Boyce, Jason R. Lady, Cinda Williams Chima, Bryan Prosek

Presented by: Ariel Corporation

Room 2B


Panel Session Five: 3:45pm – 4:30pm

Memoir: Join four writers as they discuss their process and experience in writing personal narratives told from the vantage point of real-life experience.

Moderator: Donte Woods-Spikes

Panelists: Richard F. Celeste, Edward P. Horvath, Teshauna L. Isaac, Prince Shakur

Presented by: Ohio Humanities

Auditorium


Writing About Nature: Our panelists will offer insights on writing about nature and natural places, from gardens to rivers and everything in between.

Moderator: David Siders

Panelists: Lisa J. Amstutz, Mary Kay Carson, Guy L. Denny, Chelsea Gottfried, Jim McCormac

Presented by: Honda

Room 1A


Choose to Read Ohio: Floyd’s Pick: Floyd’s Pick is a book award presented in memory of children’s literature expert, advocate, and librarian Floyd Dickman. It is given annually to a book written by an Ohio author or a book illustrated by an Ohio illustrator that is representative of high-quality literature created for children, a book that Floyd Dickman would have enthusiastically promoted. It is to carry on the legacy of his work to support and share children’s literature in Ohio. Our panelists, who have all been recipients of Floyd’s Pick, will discuss their writing and books.

Moderator: Desiree Thomas

Panelists: Will Hillenbrand, Kate Hoefler, Andrea Wang

Hosted by: Choose to Read Ohio

Presented by: Ariel Corporation

Room 2B



Author Readings


Stop by all day for short readings from your favorite Ohio authors of Middle Grade, Young Adult, Nonfiction, and Fiction books. (lineup subject to change)

11:15am: Sara Bennett Wealer

11:30am: Brian Michael Murphy

11:45am: Frances Smith Strickland

12:00pm: Judy Orr James

12:15pm-1:00pm: Break

1:00pm: Karin Cecile Davidson

1:15pm: Wendy A. Vogel

1:30pm: Kip Knott

1:45pm: Karina Bartow

2:00pm: Andrew Welsh-Huggins

2:15pm: Nita Sweeney

2:30pm: Don Tassone

2:45pm: Srirupa Dhar

3:00pm: Ticana Zhu

3:15pm: Jillian Scudder

3:30pm: Josef Matulich

3:45pm: Brieanna Wilkoff

Presented by: The Reinberger Foundation

Room 2A



Poetry Readings

Live Poetry sessions throughout the day. (lineup subject to change)

11:30am: Felicia Zamora

12:00pm: Mark M. Dean

12:30pm: Adam J. Gellings

1:00pm: Kari Gunter-Seymour

1:30pm: Annette Dauphin Simon

2:00pm: Megan Neville

2:30pm: Darren C. Demaree

3:00pm: Emily Patterson

3:30pm: Elana Pitts

4:00pm: Bonnie Proudfoot

4:30pm: Manuel Iris

Presented by: Ohio Arts Council

Hosted by: Ohio Poetry Association

Room 3B



Children’s Author and Illustrator Storytimes

Live story times for children in the afternoon. (lineup subject to change)

Columbus Metropolitan Library Staff will present their usual Saturday story times and activities in the morning.

Beginning at 12:00pm, Ohioana Book Festival authors will do readings from their featured picture books, for all ages.

12:00pm: Wes Molebash

12:30pm: Lindsay Bonilla

1:00pm: Erin Alon Brain

1:30pm: Kathy S. Elasky

2:00pm: Jacob Grant

2:30pm: SRD Harris

3:00pm: Florenza Lee

3:30pm: Jeff Ebbeler

4:00pm: Julie Whitney

Presented by: Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Children’s Area, 1st Floor



Podcast Sessions

Craft: The Show Live Recordings

Join host Doug Dangler for four LIVE recording sessions of WCBE’s Craft: Exploring Creativity, featuring Ohio writers.

10:45am – 11:30am: All About Roller Derby: Samantha Tucker and Amy Spears

12:00pm – 12:45pm: Debut Books: Jen Devon and Terreece M. Clarke

2:30pm – 3:15pm: A Conversation: Brian Alexander

3:45pm – 4:30pm: Biographical Comics and Graphic Novels: Brad Ricca

Stream Live on Facebook during the event & watch anytime later!

Presented by: WCBE

Room 3A


Ohio Center for the Book Presents Page Count Live: Join host Laura Maylene Walter for a live recording of OCFTB’s Page Count podcast, featuring Ohio writers’ views on “Turning Points in a Writing Career.”

Moderator: Laura Maylene Walter

Panelists: Mindy McGinnis, Ric S. Sheffield, Judith Turner-Yamamoto, Andrea Wang, Felicia Zamora

Hosted by: Ohio Center for the Book

Presented by: Ohio Humanities

Listen to the recording

Auditorium



Outreach Events

Some of our programs and activities featuring Ohioana Book Festival authors take place before and after the main event, beginning on April 1, 2023, through the end of the month. All are free and open to the public!


Saturday, April 1, 2023 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Author Talk: Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac and Chelsea Gottfried

Presented & Hosted by: Franklin Park Conservatory and Biological Gardens 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203

More Information

Register Here (in-person event)


Tuesday, April 4, 2023 3:00am

Bonus Episode: Ohioana Book Festival Preview: A new episode of Page Count featuring Mindy McGinnis, Ric S. Sheffield, Judith Turner-Yamamoto, Andrea Wang, Felicia Zamora

Hosted by: Laura Maylene Walter

Presented by: Ohio Center for the Book

Listen here


Wednesday, April 5, 2023 8:01pm

Craft: Exploring Creativity featuring Richard F. Celeste

Hosted by: Doug Dangler

Presented by: WCBE

Listen here


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.

Moderator: Lee Martin

Presented & Hosted by: Gramercy Books 2424 East Main Street Columbus, OH 43209

More information

Register on Eventbrite (in-person event)


Wednesday, April 12, 2023 8:01pm

Craft: Exploring Creativity featuring Kari Gunter-Seymour

Hosted by: Doug Dangler

Presented by: WCBE

Listen here


Saturday, April 15, 2023 10:00am – 11:00am

Drawing with Author and Illustrator Will Hillenbrand: Join Cover to Cover for a very special Saturday morning with author & illustrator Will Hillenbrand! He’ll show attendees how beginning drawers can capture their imagination with basic shapes (sketchnoting). BONUS! Register for this free event and receive a free sketchnoting journal at the event.

Presented & Hosted by: Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers: 2116 Arlington Ave. Columbus, OH 43221

Facebook Event Page

More information


Saturday, April 15, 2023 Time 11:30am – 12:00pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Elise Meyers Walker

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Whitehall Branch: 4445 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43213

More information


Tuesday April 18, 2023 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Writing & Illustrating Graphic & Hybrid Novels

Illustrated books for older readers have exploded in popularity. This virtual panel discussion will explore the formats of graphic novels and hybrid novels across kidlit age groups from the perspectives of both writers and illustrators.

Moderator: Kathryn Powers

Panelists: Jeffrey Ebbeler, Terri Libenson, Wes Molebash, Misty Wilson, David Wilson

Presented & Hosted by: Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), Central & Southern Ohio

Watch the re-play anytime!


Wednesday April 19, 2023 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Renee Casteel Cook

Author Renee Casteel Cook takes readers on a tour of tasty treats from the 3C’s to the smaller cities, sampling stories from the late 1800s to the present day.

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Gahanna Branch: 310 Granville St. Gahanna, OH 43230

More information


Wednesday, April 19, 2023 8:01pm

Craft: Exploring Creativity featuring Prince Shakur

Hosted by: Doug Dangler

Presented by: WCBE

Listen Here


Thursday, April 20, 2023 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Renee Casteel Cook

Author Renee Casteel Cook takes readers on a tour of tasty treats from the 3C’s to the smaller cities, sampling stories from the late 1800s to the present day.

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Whitehall Branch: 4445 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43213

More information


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.

Moderator: Scott Woods

Presented & Hosted by: The Streetlight Guild: 1367 E. Main St. Columbus OH 43205

More information

Facebook Event Page


Thursday, April 20, 2023 11:00am

Ohioana Book Festival Authors on VOICEcorps’s Morning Exchange

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 2023 Ohioana Book Festival authors will record a discussion panel for this wonderful reading service.

Moderator: David Weaver

Panelists: Karin Cecile Davidson, Frances Smith Strickland, Nita Sweeney

Presented & Hosted by: VOICEcorps

More About VOICEcorps

Listen Online

Re-play coming soon via YouTube!


Friday, April 21, 2023 11:00am

Ohioana Book Festival Authors on VOICEcorps’ Morning Exchange

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 2023 Ohioana Book Festival authors will record a discussion panel for this wonderful reading service.

Moderator: David Weaver

Panelists: Patti Flinn, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Brieanna Wilkoff

Presented & Hosted by: VOICEcorps

More About VOICEcorps

Re-play coming soon via YouTube!


Friday, April 21, 2023 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Ohioana Authors Series: e.E. Charlton-Trujillo

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Northern Lights Branch: 4093 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, OH 43224


Sunday, April 23, 2023 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Samuel Narh and Freda Narh

Join Cover to Cover for a special Sunday morning storytime and welcome back some of our favorite California authors, Samuel and Freda Narh! The Narhs will be treating attendees with a reading, book-themed sweets and more.

Presented & Hosted by: Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers: 2116 Arlington Ave. Columbus, OH 43221

Facebook Event Page

More information


Monday, April 24, 2023 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Author Event: Kathy Schulz

Paragraphs Bookstore is excited to host Ohio author, Kathy Schulz, for a book signing and discussion of her book, The Underground Railroad in Ohio, published by History Press.

Presented & Hosted by: Paragraphs Bookstore 229 S. Main St. Mount Vernon, OH 43050

More information


Tuesday, April 25, 2023 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Mindy McGinnis

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Whitehall Branch: 4445 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43213

More information


Wednesday, April 26, 2023 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Ric S. Sheffield

Ric. S. Sheffield, Professor of sociology at Kenyon College, will give a presentation on his new book We Got By: A Black Family’s Journey in the Heartland.

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Gahanna Branch: 310 Granville St. Gahanna, OH 43230

More information


Thursday, April 27, 2023 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Franklinton Branch: 1061 W. Town St. Columbus, OH 43222


Friday, April 28, 2023 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Chiquita Mullins Lee and Carmella Van Vleet

Presented & Hosted by: Columbus Metropolitan Library Northern Lights Branch: 4093 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, OH 43224


Saturday, April 29, 2023 10:30am – 11:30am

Illustrator Event: Tim Bowers

Paragraphs Bookstore is so excited to host local illustrator Tim Bowers at Paragraphs Bookstore! Tim will be at the store to sign copies of his books and to give a demonstration.

Presented & Hosted by: Paragraphs Bookstore 229 S. Main St. Mount Vernon, OH 43050

More information


Saturday, April 29, 2023 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Ohioana Authors Series: Lucy A. Snyder

Lucy A. Snyder is the Bram Stoker Award-winning and Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author of 15 books and over 100 published short stories. She will speak about her new horror novel, Sister, Maiden, Monster.

Hosted by: Maxwell I. Gold

Presented by: Columbus Metropolitan Library South High Branch: 3540 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207

More information

Media Appearances



The 2023 Ohioana Book Festival in the Media

Scroll down for photos and articles about the 2023 Ohioana Book Festival!


Event photos by Mary Rathke (click the photo to enlarge)



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)


Out ‘N About Columbus Segment – Ohioana’s director David Weaver appears on Out ‘N About Columbus on WWHO (April 8, 2023)


Local Book Promoted at Ohioana Festival; Liddell is Oldest Author Ever Represented – Staff Report, Kent Ravenna Record-Courier (May 1, 2023)