Books by the Banks
As the weather gets cool, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book next to the fireplace. Don’t get too cozy, though, because you’ll want to head down to the Duke Energy Convention Center on Oct. 11 for the eighth annual Books by the Banks!
“Books by the Banks is the region’s largest book festival,” explains Sandy Bolek, Books by the Banks’ Planning and Operations Team Leader. “It attracts thousands of people to downtown Cincinnati for an exciting day dedicated to celebrating the love of reading.”
During the day-long festival, you can check out national, regional and local authors and illustrators as well as book signings, panel discussions and activities that are built for the whole family.
Bolek says Books by the Banks was created with the mission to entertain and enrich the lives of the citizens of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky by presenting an promoting authors while celebrating the joys of literacy and lifelong learning through reading.
There’s a lot that goes into making Books by the Banks such an enriching experience for those who attend. Bolek says whole community comes together for the event, including volunteers from local libraries, businesses and community organizations.
In celebration of its eighth year, Books by the Banks is bigger than it’s ever been. Bolek says there will be a record 130 authors coming to the Queen City for book signings, meet and greets, panel discussions and more.
“There will be something for everyone,” says Bolek. “In addition to the Author Pavilion, where fans can buy books and meet their favorite writers, there are many more activities during the festival.”
According to Bolek, the popular Kids’ Corner will showcase top-notch performers and day-long activities. Plus, this year, they’re expanding the Kids’ Corner to make more room for free balloon sculptures, face painting, acts including Joel Caithamer, the Singing Librarian and more.
A first at this year’s even is the Teen Area where young book lovers will be able to play board games with some of their favorite authors, hear a live musical performance by the local band Spearpoint and check out equipment demonstrations by the Hive13 Makerspace.
Bolek adds that the Writing and Getting Published series is back by popular demand. Discussion topics for this year’s series include: how to pitch a book, how to get published in magazines, how to tap into online markets and much more.
Make the event an all-day affair by sticking around after the festival to enjoy dinner at one of several participating restaurants offering discounts to Books by the Banks attendees.
Books by the Banks is free and open to the public. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Duke Energy Convention Center, located at 525 Elm Street in downtown Cincinnati, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about Books by the Banks, visit www.booksbythebanks.org.
