Bibliophiles, get ready for 36th Buckeye Book Fair
More than 100 authors are expected at the 36th annual Buckeye Book Fair, scheduled for Nov. 4 at Greystone Event Center in Wooster.
Bibliophiles, get ready to make some room on that already crowded bookshelf. It’s almost time for the 36th annual Buckeye Book Fair.
The Buckeye Book Fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greystone Event Center, 50 Riffel Road, Wooster. The suggested donation for the fair is $2 per person.
“Authors will be greeting readers from their tables and talking about their latest books,” said Kimberly Jarvis, BBF executive director. “Book enthusiasts can walk from table to table throughout the day to select books for purchase. They can also have their books personalized by the author. It’s a unique gift, especially for children, to have books autographed or signed with a special written message for them.”
According to the fair website, the book fair organization puts together literacy-focused events all year and is a community-driven initiative. “The book fair plays a vital role in promoting literacy, supporting Ohio authors and nurturing a passion for reading among individuals of all ages. By hosting events and showcasing a wide array of books, the Buckeye Book Fair creates a vibrant literary platform that benefits both the community and state of Ohio.”
There will be over 100 authors this year representing a variety of genres including children’s, graphic novels, historical fiction, fiction, memoir, middle grade, maps, mystery, thriller, nonfiction, sports and young adult.
There will be speakers, events and family-friendly activities available throughout the day at the fair on Saturday. Kids can make bookmarks and booklets of their own at the little authors table with artist Catherine Martinez. Author Connie Bergstein Dow, who writes about integrating dance and academics, will lead a movement workshop for children at 9:30 a.m., and at 1 p.m. there will be a Draw Along Dual, led by Jerzy Drozd and Merrell Rainey.
In addition to the author event, book fair week includes Student Literacy Day, the Young Authors Conference and — new this year — the Buckeye Book Crawl.
Student Literacy Day is for high school students and will take place Thursday, Nov. 2. The keynote speaker is Julie Drew, an author and professor of creative writing at the University of Akron.
On Friday, Nov. 3, the Young Authors Conference will offer four author presentations for students in third through eighth grade. According to Jarvis, “These speakers will bring literacy to life through interactive presentations.”
The Buckeye Book Crawl is a new partnership with Wayne County Public Library and downtown businesses. The crawl consists of several days of author events at various Wooster venues:
On Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Undergrounds Cafe & Coffee House, located in Liberty Street Commons, 146 E. Liberty St., Wooster, Annie Hunter Eriksen, a Wooster native, will celebrate her latest book, “Along Came a Radioactive Spider: Strange Steve Ditko and the Creation of Spider-Man.” Spider-man attire is encouraged for the family event.
On Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at Grigio Wine & Cocktail Bar, 211 S. Market St., Wooster, meet Anastasia Hastings and enjoy the featured cocktail, “Guild Aviation.” To order the drink, use the code: “Agony Aunt Says.”
On Friday, Nov. 3 from 4-6 p.m. at Minglewood Distilling Company, 437 E. South St., Wooster, there will be a sports panel.
On Friday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m., Acres of Fun will take place at 3889 Friendsville Road, Wooster. Columbus Roller Derby athletes and authors Samantha Tucker and Amy Spears will share their new book, “Collective Chaos: A Roller Derby Memoir.” The book traces the history of the sport through the lens of Ohio’s first team.
Additionally, literacy awards are available to support Ohio reading programs, libraries, librarians, teachers and students. Teachers and librarians can check the book fair website, email BuckeyeBookFair@gmail.com or call 330-249-1455 for more information.
Note the book fair has changed venues to accommodate a need for more space.
There is no need to sign up for any events that take place at the book fair.
Lunch will be available at the fair: walking taco, hot dog or coney with chips, brownie or cookie and a beverage for $8.
It takes approximately 75 volunteers to make the book fair happen. Tasks for volunteers include everything from keeping authors stocked with books to assisting at checkout. Volunteers also read and review books prior to the fair. The time commitment can range from two-hour shifts at the fair to longer.
“It’s a community endeavor, and we have a lot of fun together,” Jarvis said.
Anyone interested in volunteering or needing more information regarding the fair can get in touch through the website at www.BuckeyeBookFair.org, email BuckeyeBookFair@gmail.com or call 330-249-1455.
Find the Buckeye Book Fair on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter “X” and TikTok: @BuckeyeBookFair.
The book fair is a nonprofit, and contributions are tax-deductible. Donate online or donate by check to Buckeye Book Fair, 304 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.
According to Jarvis, a new streamlined checkout process means fair guests should no longer have to wait in long lines. The fair accepts cash, check, and all major credit and debit cards.
“The book fair hearkens back to the feel-good vibes from attending a book fair in elementary school, except it’s for everyone,” Jarvis said. “All adults deserve book fairs.”