Join us at the Main Library in Downtown Akron on Saturday, March 7, 2026, for the fourth annual Akron Book Fest!
This exciting event will showcase authors, publishers, and booksellers. Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the local literary scene, there’s something for everyone.
For additional information contact the Culture & AV Department at
Schedule Of Events
11 am - 3 pm
Meet Area Authors
Over 75 authors, illustrators, and publishers will be tabling, selling and signing books. Check our full list of tabling authors below.
Book Giveaway
Visitors to the Akron Book Fest can choose from a wide selection of ARCs (advanced reader’s copies) donated by publishers! While supplies last.
The Children’s Library will host fun book and art related activities for young book lovers.
The following panels and workshops are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
11 am (Meeting Room 2AB)
Things that Go Bump in the Plot
With Gwendolyn Kiste, Tim Waggoner, Sarah Hans and Maxwell Gold; moderated by E. F. Schraeder
Four horror writers pull back the curtain on craft, resources, and techniques, and are ready to answer all your burning questions about writing horror.
Noon (Meeting Room 2AB)
Author Talk with Kate Sidley
Join comedian and author Kate Sidley for a lively author talk that delves into the strange and surprising stories behind the Catholic Church’s most famous saints, while offering insight into her creative writing process.
Noon (Teen Area)
Make Your Own Webcomic
With Khantal Tigner
Ever wanted to make your own webcomic? Learn how to get started in this introductory presentation.
1 pm (Meeting Room 2AB)
A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words
With Chuck Ayers, Dave Szalay, Jenn Harney and Eileen Ryan Ewen; moderated by Justin Eisinger
A picture really is worth a thousand words. Join illustrators as they explore how visual storytelling brings ideas to life, shapes narrative, and speaks where words fall short.
2 pm (Meeting Room 2AB)
Content Marketing for Authors 101
With Zack Applewhite
This beginner-friendly presentation shows writers how to build their audience, promote their work, and stay visible using smart, manageable content strategies.
2 pm (Children's Library Programming Room)
Storytime with Jashar Awan (Grades K-2)
Enjoy a Storytime, an author talk, and a draw along with author and illustrator Jashar Awan.
Author List
| Author | Genre |
|---|---|
| Abby Millsaps | Romance |
| Alaina Erdell | Romance |
| Alex Erickson | Cozy Mystery |
| Allison Marks | Children’s |
| Allison Tanager | YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
| Amanda Bryk | Romance |
| Amanda Flower | Cozy Mystery |
| A.M. McPherson | YA Urban Fantasy |
| Annie Zaleski | Music Journalism/Biographer |
| Bailee Abbott | Cozy Mystery |
| Caleb Thusat | YA Graphic Novel |
| Cari Dubiel | Contemporary intrigue |
| Carolyn Behrman | Local History |
| Cat Russell | Poetry |
| CC Robinson | YA Dystopian |
| Chelsea Banning | Fantasy |
| Chuck Ayers | Illustrator |
| Craig Marks | Cartoonist |
| Conrad J. Storad | Children’s Non-fiction |
| Darin Miller | Mystery |
| Dave Szalay | Illustrator |
| Deborah Edmisten | Historical Fiction |
| D.L. Jennings | Fantasy |
| E.F. Schraeder | Poetry, Horror |
| Evan Graham | Sci-Fi/Horror |
| Florenza Lee | Children’s |
| Gloria G. Adams | Middle Grade Fiction |
| Gwendolyn Kiste | Horror |
| Irving Myron Korman | Children’s |
| J.L. Ender | YA Sci-Fi Fantasy |
| James Renner | True Crime/Fiction |
| Jane Ann Turzillo | True Crime/Local History |
| Jashar Awan | Illustrator/Children’s |
| Jeff Gorman | Sports |
| Jenn Harney | Illustrator |
| Jessica Fries-Gaither | Children’s |
| Joanna Wilson | Pop Culture/Local History |
| John Newton | YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
| Julie Hatcher | Contemporary Fiction/Cozy Mystery |
| Justin Eisinger | Graphic Novel |
| K.A. Bauer | LGBTQ/Contemporary Romance |
| Kalynn Applewhite | Paranormal/Horror |
| Kara M. Zone | Dark Fantasy/Romantasy |
| Kate Sidley | Non-Fiction/Humor |
| KN Tristan | Dystopian/Sci-Fi |
| L.A. McGinnis | Paranormal Romance |
| Libby Kay | Romance/Women’s Fiction |
| Mandy Shunnarah | Poetry/History |
| Marie Vibbert | Sci-Fi |
| Maxwell Gold | Poetry/Horror |
| Mindy McGinnis | YA Fiction |
| Miranda Kogon Montoya | Children’s |
| Neil Sater | YA Supernatural/Cozy Mystery |
| Roger Gordon | Sports History |
| S. Morgan Burbank | Sci-Fi-Dystopia/LGBTQ |
| Sarah K. Hans | Horror/Thriller |
| Scott Geisel | Mystery/Suspense |
| Sam Subity | Middle Grade Fantasy/Historical Fiction |
| Steven Kachovec | YA Fantasy |
| Susan Poole | Women’s Fiction |
| Susan Bagby | Contemporary Romance |
| Taylor Jakovina | Thriller/Mystery |
| Tara Pringle Jefferson | Non-fiction |
| Ted Sikora | YA Superhero/Action |
| Terry Armstrong | Romantic Comedy |
| Tiara J. Brown | YA Fantasy |
| Tim Matney | Local History |
| Tim Waggoner | Horror |
| Tricia Springstubb | YA Fiction |
| Wayne Marks | Children’s |
| Wendy Koile | True Crime/Local History |
| Zariah L. Banks | Contemporary Romance |
