Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Books by the Banks returns on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 100 national, regional, and local authors. Browse your heart out!
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s beloved book festival.
About Books by the Banks
Books by the Banks is both free and open to the public. Organized by local libraries and booksellers with support from sponsors, the festival includes the chance to visit authors from a range of genres — from science fiction to graphic novels to local interest and more — along with fun and informative author panels, signings, and a Family Fun Zone.
Find a complete list of attending authors on the Book by the Banks website.
Festival Headline Author
Don’t miss New York Times-bestselling author Tessa Bailey, this year’s Books by the Banks headliner. There’s still time to brush up on Tessa Bailey’s books ahead of her appearance. Known for her character-driven romances, titles include It Happened One Summer, Pitcher Perfect, The Au Pair Affair, and Fangirl Down.
Head to the third floor to hear Tessa Bailey in conversation with Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Library’s Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director.
Festival Featured Author
You can also catch Silas House, the festival’s featured author. Born and based in Kentucky, Silas House is a New York Times bestselling author of seven novels, including Clay’s Quilt, A Parchment of Leaves, The Coal Tattoo, Eli the Good, Same Sun Here, Southernmost, and Lark Ascending. Silas House also served as the Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 2023-2025.
Hear him talk about his work in conversation with Yalie Kamara on the third-floor room at 2:30 p.m.
Writing & Art Contest Winners
Winners of Book by the Banks’ writing and art contest will be announced at 10:15 a.m. for both teen and adult categories. Winners will be shared in a print compilation at the festival, along with the winning cover art.
Family Fun Zone
There will be fun for the whole family! Create custom crafts, enjoy storytimes, and get a balloon from the Cincinnati Circus! View the full lineup below:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Creation stations and craft areas, including button making, backpack charms, and coloring keychains.
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Balloon Fun with Cincinnati Circus
10: 30 a.m.: Author Storytime with Will Hillenbrand
11:30 a.m.: Drawing Wars with Tim Bowers and Merrill Rainey
12:30 p.m.: Author Storytime with Amanda Driscoll
1:30 p.m.: Family Craft with Bridget Shirvell
2:30 p.m.: Author Storytime with Taylor Darks
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