Book Fest Fun

The 11th annual Southern Kentucky Book Fest returns Saturday, April 18, at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, featuring more than 150 authors from across the country; it is Kentucky’s largest literary festival.

Meet Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash, Sweet Potato Queen Jill Conner Browne, young adult author Ellen Hopkins, southern historian Charles Bracelen Flood, legendary musician Janis Ian, New York Times editor Dana Canedy, and former game show creator and host Chuck Barris, among many others.

SOKY Book Fest attracts thousands of readers of all ages who welcome the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and purchase signed copies of their works. The Book Fest is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also includes several presentations by authors and activities for children. Kids can have free pictures taken with Clifford the Big Red Dog and there will be a Make & Do craft area for the little ones.

All events are free, except for the Fancy Nancy Tea Party, which is $5. Tea tickets can be purchased from the Warren County Public Library or Barnes & Noble. The Tea will include refreshments and the chance to win prizes.

SOKY Book Fest is presented by Western Kentucky University Libraries, the Warren County Public Library, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, in addition to many area sponsors, and is a fund-raiser for literacy projects in south-central Kentucky.

Sloan Convention Center is located at 1021 Wilkinson Trace in Bowling Green.

For more information about the festivities, including the free Kentucky Writers Conference on Friday, April 17, call (270) 745-5016 or go online to www.sokybookfest.org.