Meet Over 125 Authors at the Books By the Banks Festival

Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library

Over 125 authors will be in one place celebrating all things literature at Books By the Banks, a free regional book festival at the Duke Convention Center on November 18 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Featuring nine headliner authors, author panels, panels on writing and getting published, activities for kids and teens, and much more, this is a must-attend event for anyone with a love for the written word.

Find all the details about this year's Books By the Banks festival, including event information, a complete listing of authors, and more on their website.

Diverse Author Lineup

Bring an extra large tote this year as you meet the over 125 authors at this year's Books By the Banks festival. National, regional, and local authors will have tables with their current and past books available for sale. Whether you're a fan of fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, or any other genre, you're sure to find your next favorite author.

Headlining this impressive selection of authors are nine incredible writers, whose works span genres and audiences. Check out the headliners below and visit the Books By the Banks website for more information.

Author Panel Discussions and Spotlights

For those eager to gain insights into the world of reading, writing, and publishing, the author panels are not to be missed. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the minds behind the stories that have inspired and transported readers across the globe. Seating is first come, first served. After each panel, you can meet all of the authors in the Author Pavilion. 

Here are just a few of the panels at this year's festival:

• Real Life Reads for Young Readers
  Rebecca E.F. Barone, Denise Kiernan, Shawn Pryor, Shannon Stocker
• Worth a Thousand Words: Picture Books that Inspire
  Vicki Johnson, Samuel Narh, Annie Ruth, Chris Sickels /Red Nose Studio
• A Life Lived, A Story to Tell: Memoirs
  Richard F. Celeste, Melvin Grier, Cardale Jones, Kim Wickens
• Local Interest Panel
  Micha O’Connor, Rick Pender, Robert Schrage, Jeff Suess
• Buzzworthy Fiction
  Brandon Ying Kit Boey, Katherine Howe, Meg Shaffer, Thao Thai
• Teen Fiction Panel
  David Arnold, Olivia Cole, Scott Reintgen, Vesper Stamper
• Book Club Picks
  Phyllis Dixon, Sara Herchenroether, Katrina Kittle, Jessica Strawser

Attend an Author Spotlight where each writer will share their experiences, discuss their creative processes, and offer valuable advice for aspiring writers:

 View the entire schedule of author panels on the Books By the Banks website.

Kids’ Corner

For our youngest readers, make sure to visit the Kids’ Corner for all-day fun! From engaging arts and crafts activities to captivating story times, children will be immersed in a world of creativity and imagination. Check out all the activities planned for the Books By the Banks Kids' Corner:

Teen Scene

At the Books By the Banks Teen Scene, you can explore books, interact with authors, and create your own cosplay pieces including tattoo sleeves, Yoda ears, and unicorn headbands. You might even find your favorite cosplay characters there ready for a selfie or two! Stop by the face painting station to complete your cosplay look. You can even play games with your favorite teen and tween authors!

Writing & Getting Published Panels

Aspiring writers, take note! Books By the Banks goes beyond reading to offer valuable insights into the craft of writing and the intricacies of getting published. Panels featuring authors and publishing experts will share insights, host writing workshops, and more. Visit the Books by the Banks website for a complete listing of panels.

Writing Contest

For those who enjoy putting pen to paper, enter the Books By the Banks Writing Contest! This year’s theme is Heat. Submit entries for prose, poetry, or both in either the teen or adult categories.

The final judges for the Books by the Banks writing competition will be distinguished local writers. Awards and prizes will be presented in person at Books by the Banks on Saturday, November 18 at 2 p.m. in Room 207.

Whether you're a seasoned reader, a budding writer, or a family looking for a day of fun, mark your calendars to attend Books By the Banks on Saturday, November 18. View all the details about Books By the Banks on their website.