Join us at the Main Library in Downtown Akron for the second annual Akron Book Fest!
On Saturday, March 9th, 2024 over 60 authors and illustrators across a variety of genres and ages will share their work, meet fellow readers and writers from the community, and discuss writing and publishing.
Schedule of Events
11 am - 3 pm
Meet Authors and Shop for Books
Over 60 area authors will be tabling and selling their latest work.
Free Book Giveaways
Attendees get to select a free new book from a supply of Advanced Reader Copies donated by publishers (while supplies last).
“We’re Going on a Book Hunt” in the Children’s Library
The youngest book lovers can participate in an interactive activity.
Workshops and Panels
11 am – Meeting Room 2AB
Writing the Rust Belt Memoir
With David Giffels, Joyce Dyer, Eliese Colette Goldbach
A panel of Northeast Ohio authors discuss writing and publishing their stories of life in the postindustrial Midwest.
Noon – Meeting Room 2AB
Storytelling in Comics
With Matt Horak, Cir L’Bert, Justin Eisinger, Craig A. Marks, Khantel Tigner
Members of Akron’s rich talent pool of graphic novelists and comic artists discuss the unique process of combining words and drawings in a Q&A session.
1 pm – Meeting Room 2AB
The Many Faces of Love
With Susan Bagby, Jess Everlee, Amanda Uhl, CM Nascosta
Area authors from across romance subgenres talk about their books, the genre as a whole, and life as a writer in an interactive panel.
1 pm – Teen Area
Comics Writing Circle
Share work and ideas in a casual hangout with graphic novelists and comic artists.
2 pm – Meeting Room 2AB
So You Want To Publish a Book…
With Leann Schneider Webb (literary publicist), Kate Schlademan (Learned Owl Book Shop), David Gray (Gray & Company Publishers), Rodney L. Skoglund (Renner Kenner LPA)
A Q&A Roundtable for authors to hear from publicists, booksellers, publishers, and attorneys about how to successfully share your work with the world.
2 pm – Teen Area
Teen Writing Circle
Library staff and special guest authors will lead a casual teen writing circle where you can ask for writing tips, complete writing exercises, and share your work with other young writers.
2024 Akron Book Fest Participating Authors and Publishers include:
A.D. Adams
Aileen Stewart
Alex Erickson
Allison & Wayne Marks
Amanda Bryk
Amanda Flower
Amanda Uhl
Anastasia Hastings
Angela D. Moss
Asia Terry
Breshea Anglen
C.M. Nascosta
Cara Malone
Cari Dubiel
Chante Thomas
Chey Caliso
Cir L’Bert
Cliff Anthony
Cory Sheldon
Craig A. Marks
Eliese Colette Goldbach
D.L. Jennings
David Giffels
David Rickert
Debbie Ashley
Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Center
Evan Graham
Friends of the Main Library
George Ebey
Gray & Company Publishers
Irving M. Korman
J.L. Ender
James Gardner
Jane Ann Turzillo
Jane Bond
Jess Everlee
Joyce Dyer
Julie Buehrle Luyster
Julie Drew
Justin Eisinger
K.P. Kulski
Kalynn Applewhite
Kathryn Long/Bailee Abbott
Kent State University Press
Khantel Tigner
Kori Frazier Morgan
Kris Renee
Lathardus Goggins II
Leann Schneider Webb
Learned Owl Book Shop
Les Roberts
Marie Vibbert
Mary E. Ciesa
Matt Horak
Max Willi Fischer
Nar Pradhan
Novalee Burkett
Rodney Harris, Sr.
Rodney L. Skoglund
Roger Gordon
Seth Borgen
Steve Brightman
Susan Bagby
Dr. Tameka Ellington
Tiara J. Brown
Tracy Thomas
University of Akron Press
Victor Fleischer
Wes Molebash
Questions? Please contact the Culture & AV department at