Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Calling all bibliophiles! Head to the Forest Park Branch on Saturday, Feb 21 from 1-4 p.m. to meet local authors, browse and buy their books, and discover your next read.
Over 20 writers will be in attendance, including the Library’s 2026 Writer-in-Residence Intisar Khanani. According to Intisar, events like the Local Author Fair help build connections between authors and readers by fostering a sense of community and engagement in local arts.
“Developing and sustaining the arts locally is such a vital aspect of a community's health — it's about connection, and expression, and building something greater together,” said Intisar via email. “And finally, events like this can [give] attendees — including kids who may have never met an author before — the chance to connect and challenge themselves to engage more in the art they love, either as readers or as writers.”
Along with Khanani, other attending authors include:
- Rebecca Armstrong
- Marchelle Butler
- Randall Daniels and Evelyn Suesberry (co-writers)
- Catherine Dumas
- Ashley Ferguson
- Kristy High
- Brittany Knott
- Shanah LeGree
- Dan Lozier
- China Olitan
- Tom Parrish
- Courtney Reinhold
- Margaret Ann Rosswurm
- Annie Ruth
- Katie Steele
- Jenetta Thomas
- Dominique Turner
- Myra Wallace
- Brian Westbrook
- Christa Wilson
Come celebrate stories, community, and creativity at this all-ages event! You can drop in at any time during the event.
“I absolutely love the chance to connect with new readers, chat about stories, and also meet other writers,” said Intisar. “Writing is often very solitary, so connecting with and growing my writing community is one of the critical ways I fight that — and it is such a gift to be able to get to know more writers locally!”
Registration is not required. You’re sure to find a book (or two or three) that piques your interest. See you there!
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