Local Author Fair

Please join us for a day filled with books, talks, and mingling with talented authors local to our South Suburban area! Check out an array of genres from our local authors tabling in the Library Commons where you will have the chance to explore, chat, and purchase books. Whether you are looking for Science Fiction, Mystery, YA, Historical Fiction, or Children's Lit, there is something for you!

While you're here, take a look at our Author Talk line-up, filled with interesting discussions occurring all through out the day in the Ringering Room. The fair will conclude with an Author Q&A panel where you will have the chance to ask our authors your most pressing questions.

All attendees will receive a raffle ticket to win a free set of books featuring each of our local authors.

Author Talk Schedule:

11:00-11:30 am: So You Want To Be a Writer... led by James Pressler

Learn how to discover your own path to becoming a writer, from someone who took the same journey and made all the mistakes.

11:45 am-12:15 pm: Journey of Hope: The Orphan Train Route led by Sandra McKay

Hear the history of the orphan train movement and routes, especially right here in Illinois, where the highest number of children were placed with families. Sandra McKay will read an excerpt from her book, describing the story of her grandmother and her brothers as they were taken from their beds and sent away in coaches.

12:30-1:00 pm: Fenyx Blue, the Genre Jumper: What Writing in Different Genres Taught Me About Creativity led by Fenyx Blue

Some may feel that you need to stay in a creative box and focus on one type of writing, but you can express yourself in a wide range of writing styles and genres. It is okay to play as a writer just like you play as a reader. Genres are just doorways, don't be afraid to walk through more than one.

1:15-1:45 pm: Digitizing Einstein: Science Fiction, AI, and the Human Soul led by Pete Thanos

Explore the intersections of artificial intelligence, cloning, and digital immortality through the lens of Pete Thanos' novel Celeritous. Look at how historical icons like Albert Enstein can be reimagined in future societies and how science fiction can ask deep philosophical questions about what it means to be human. Get behind-the-scenes insights on writing sci-fi that blends technology, ethics, and emotion.

2:00-2:30 pm: You Matter... You Always Have... Let's Talk led by Karter Reed and Armanette Small-Reed

Children and students may feel that they have no one they can speak to or share their feelings on bullying. Grandson and Grandmother co-authors of Broken Crayons, aim to provide a safe space to talk about their feelings and gain the tools to handle tough situations.

3:00-3:30 pm: Author Q&A Panel

Featured Authors: Dr. Leslie K. Best, Fenyx Blue, Dr. Wanikka Vance-Clark, Sandra McKay, Lisa Monegain, Ericka Glorious Moore, James Pressler, Karter Reed & Armanette Small-Reed, Pete Thanos, and Melissa Winston.