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!
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
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!
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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.