By Jennifer Jahn
NKyTribune staff writer
For readers, few things compare to discovering a new favorite book. At the Kentucky Book Festival, visitors can take that experience a step further by meeting the authors behind the stories, listening to them discuss their work, and discovering the people and ideas shaping Kentucky’s literary community.
The festival returns Saturday, Nov. 7, marking the 45th edition of an event that has connected readers and writers since its founding in 1981. With more than 100 participating authors, multiple presentation areas, children’s programming, and special performances, this year’s festival will celebrate the state’s literary heritage while welcoming readers of all ages.
“This year, we have sharpened our focus to celebrate Kentucky writers,” said Jay McCoy, director of the Kentucky Center for the Book. “We are fortunate in this state to have the rich literary heritage that continues to this day and plan to recognize the contributions of some individuals and organizations from the Main Stage.”
The festival’s roots trace back to journalist Carl West (1942-2016), who founded the event as the Kentucky Book Fair. After working as a reporter for the Kentucky Post and covering the White House and Pentagon for the Scripps Howard News Service, West drew inspiration from the National Press Club’s Book Fair in Washington, D.C.
He envisioned a similar gathering in Kentucky’s capital, where readers could meet the writers whose work they enjoyed. The first Kentucky Book Fair took place in 1981 at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives building in Frankfort, where the event continued for more than three decades.
After becoming a program of Kentucky Humanities, the event expanded and adopted its current name, the Kentucky Book Festival. McCoy said West’s original vision of honoring writers and bringing them together with readers continues to guide the festival today.
This year’s event will feature more than 100 authors, with 68% of participating writers living in Kentucky. Another 52% will be attending the festival for the first time, bringing new voices, and perspectives to the celebration.
Among this year’s featured authors are Silas House and Meg Shaffer. The full list of participating authors is available at kybookfestival.org.
Something for every reader
The festival offers a broad selection of genres and formats, giving visitors opportunities to explore books they already love or venture into something new.
Adult readers can browse fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Younger readers will find young adult fiction, graphic novels, middle grade books, and picture books for the youngest members of the family.
Authors will sign books throughout the day from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Visitors can meet writers at their signing tables, purchase books, and hear authors discuss their work through presentations, conversations, and readings.
Programming will take place across five areas of the festival facilities. Two stages and the Writers’ Room will host discussions and readings geared toward adult readers. The Story Time Stage will feature children’s authors sharing their picture books.
The Illustration Barn will offer a full day of games and activities, including drawing sessions, giving young visitors opportunities to engage with books and creativity beyond the printed page.
Two Kentucky Chautauqua performers will also bring historical and cultural figures to life through full-length presentations in character as Mary Todd Lincoln and Loretta Lynn.
In another effort to make the festival more accessible, organizers will provide American Sign Language interpreters at all programs on both the Main Stage and Story Time Stage.
Encouraging a love of reading
Helping children and young adults develop a love of reading remains an important part of the festival’s mission and the broader work of Kentucky Humanities.
On the Friday before the festival, participating authors will visit schools across the state to discuss their books with students and, in some cases, lead writing workshops. The school visits give students opportunities to connect with authors and learn more about the creative process.
Young readers will also receive a special benefit at the festival itself. Every visitor younger than 14 will receive a voucher to select a book from participating festival authors to take home for free.
McCoy said organizers want the event to support children and families as they build their literacy skills and discover that reading can be an enjoyable shared experience.
The festival also provides opportunities for aspiring writers, educators, publishers, and others interested in storytelling. Organizers are working to give independent publishers across Kentucky greater visibility and recognition for their contributions to the state’s literary community.
“The most significant difference is that you can meet over 100 authors in one place over the course of one day,” McCoy said. “The festival offers a unique experience with a variety of programs and activities which allow visitors to do as little or as much as they want.”
More ways to celebrate books
The literary celebration will extend beyond the festival’s main event with the return of Books & Brews, the annual trivia competition scheduled for Oct. 28 at Brontë Bistro inside Joseph-Beth Booksellers. Teams of four will compete for prizes in the popular book-themed contest. Additional information and team registration details will be available through the festival’s website and social media channels.
For McCoy, the goal is for visitors to leave the festival with more than a stack of books.
Organizers hope attendees will discover their next great read, find a new favorite author, and leave with a renewed appreciation for reading and the community that forms around it.
As the Kentucky Book Festival celebrates 45 years, its organizers plan to continue building on the legacy West established in 1981, using feedback from attendees and participating authors to shape future events.
The result is a celebration designed not only to recognize Kentucky’s literary achievements, but also to encourage the next generation of readers and writers.
For more information about participating authors, programming and festival details, visit kybookfestival.org.