Spotlight
Bask in a Book Fair
I kid you not.
You can go to Book TV on your television set or other device, and catch up on the book fairs you've missed. Or, follow one that's live.
However there's nothing quite like the experience of being there in person. Talk about a chance to press the flesh.
To be sure, you have your choice of numerous scheduled events, which include author talks and panel discussions of writers on a diverse array of topics, that often not only are informative but inspirational. Also, if you move fast enough, you might get in a question or two.
And, then there's the unscripted quality of it all: dropping by a space for book signings, or a table/tent of a small publisher and perhaps a representative sample of its authors with whom you can chat, or tap your feet to musical performers.
courtesy eventbrite.com
You're just in time for the Chicago Tribune's 31st annual Printers Row Lit Fest (formerly Printers Row Book Fair), June 6-7, in Chicago.
This festival features so many events, including writing workshops and cooking demonstrations, you may find yourself having to decide between two or three scheduled for the same time.
If you'd like to get out of Dodge, so to speak, there's an ample selection of book fairs/book festivals for the remainder of this year.
Domestically, they include: Ann Arbor, Michigan, June 17-20; Portland, Oregon in July; Baltimore, Montana, South Dakota, and Washington, D.C. in September; Texas in October; and Miami in November. Hong Kong (July); Beijing (August); Frankfurt (October); and Guadalajara (late November into early December), are among the scheduled book fairs outside of the United States.
To research some of these places before taking a trip to a book fair, come or contact the reference desk on the fourth floor of the library. We have an extensive collection of guidebooks for checkout to help travelers navigate an unfamiliar place. And don't forget that we have maps for checkout, as well. Phone: 847-376-2841. Email: ReferenceServicesDesk@dppl.org
Besides Book TV, see the following for more information about book fairs:
In 2013, I experienced the Texas Book Festival and Austin for the first time. I reveled in the bounty of ideas and characters. No, I didn't buy cowboy boots or a big hat, but I also enjoyed hearing musician/writer Kinky Friedman perform. What a delight. What a hoot.
So if you haven't yet decided where to go on vacation, check out a book fair. It's a venture into uncharted territory. Go ahead. Take the risk.