woman holding a book

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 330.643.9015.

Our Mission: The Akron-Summit County Public Library provides resources for learning and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community life.