Books by the BanksThe Clermont County Public Library again is a partner in the Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival. The eighth annual festival is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Duke Energy Convention Center,
downtown, 525 Elm St. Admission is free.
The library will have a table with lots of information about programs and services. The Hands Up Puppet Troupe will perform at 10:30 a.m. Browser, the library’s mascot, will greet visitors.
More than 130 authors will attend to speak with visitors and sign copies of their books.
Authors who will be at the festival and who have ties to Clermont County are:
• Duffy Brown, who lives in Milford.
• Jeffrey Ebbeler, who grew up Goshen and graduated from Goshen High School. He now lives in Mt. Washington.
• Melissa Landers, writes as Macy Beckett, and lives in Miami Township.
• Tamara York, lives in Clermont County and operates a business in Amelia.
This year, visitors will meet some of the hottest names in literature, including:
• Emily Giffin, writer of six New York Times best-sellers including “Something Borrowed” that was adapted for the big screen in 2011 as a major romantic comedy starring Kate Hudson. Her latest book is “The One & Only.”
• Hampton Sides, one the most popular names in literary non-fiction. His book “Ghost Stories,” a World War II narrative, sold more than one million copies worldwide and was the basis for the 2005 Miramax film, “The Great Raid.” His latest book is “In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette.”
• Marc Brown, beloved children’s book writer, creator of the “Arthur Adventure” book series and co-developer of the hit PBS television series. His latest books are “In New York” and “Marc Brown’s Playtime Rhymes: A Treasury for Families to Learn and Play Together.”
• John Scalzi, one of the most-acclaimed science fiction authors of the last decade. His bestsellers include “The Last Colony,” “Fuzzy Nation” and “Redshirts.” His latest book is “Lock In.”
• Philip and Erin Stead, the husband and wife team behind the prestigious Caldecott Medal-winning children’s book, “A Sick Day for Amos McGee.” Philip Stead’s latest book is “Sebastian and the Balloon.”
• Plus many more including: Smith Henderson, “Fourth of July Creek;” Grady Hendrix, “Horrorstör;” Katherine Howe, “Conversion;” Tiphanie Yanique, “Land of Love” and “Drowning;” and Dave Zirin, “Brazil’s Dance with the Devil: The World Cup, the Olympics,” and the “Fight for Democracy.”
“This festival is a great example of a community coming together,” said Greg Edwards, Books by the Banks board president. “With the combined support of local libraries, businesses and community organizations, year after year, we’re able to provide the best event around for anyone who loves books and reading.”
In addition to the Author Pavilion, where fans can buy books and meet their favorite writers, there are many more activities during the festival. The popular Kids’ Corner, showcasing top-notch performers and day-long activities, has been expanded this year to make even more room for free balloon sculptures, face painting, acts such as Joel Caithamer, the Singing Librarian and more.
For the first time ever, the festival has added a Teen Area, where young booklovers can play board games with some of their favorite authors, hear a live musical performance by local band Spearpoint and check out equipment demonstrations by the Hive13 Makerspace.
And back by popular demand is the Writing & Getting Publishing series. Panel discussions will include information for writers covering topics such as how to pitch a book, how to get published in magazines, how to tap into online markets and much more.
Attendees can make the event an all-day affair by sticking around after the festival and enjoying dinner at one of several participating restaurants offering a discount with the presentation of a Books by the Banks event rogram.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.booksbythebanks.org.