The 2016 Alpena Book Festival will take place Saturday, September 24^th from 10:00 am-7:00 pm in downtown Alpena. A full day event, the Festival includes panel discussions, author talks, meet and greets, and educational sessions for aspiring writers. Over 25 authors have committed their participation in this year’s Festival, spanning genres that include: inspirational writing, poetry, young adult, science fiction, literary fiction, mystery, Michigan based fiction and non-fiction, and graphic novelists. In what is a truly cooperative endeavor, the staff and volunteers from the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Blue Phoenix Books, Bob’s Bullpen, and Olivet Book and Gift are bringing together authors, illustrators, poets, and readers of all ages to the shores of Thunder Bay for a celebration of literacy and Michigan literary contributions. The festival has activities for all age groups, Ambassador Member of the Alpena Girl Scouts, Bailey Becker, is facilitating a children’s reading and writing activity for ages 3 and up and Children’s Librarian, Mary Clute, will be hosting a craft program at the library. While the event is free and open to the public, attendees may purchase a festival tote bag for a nominal fee, the proceeds of which benefit the READ adult literacy program at the Library. Each bag has a selection of Advanced Reader’s Copies provided by various publishers as well as a few convenience items, peppermints, pens, and bookmarks. Downtown Alpena businesses including Art in the Loft, As You Wish Bakery, Cabin Creek Coffee, Thunder Bay Winery and The Fresh Palate have generously donated their space to provide unique and fun settings for Festival activities. A detailed schedule of the day’s events will be available in the coming weeks. Those interested in volunteering, registering, learning about the participating authors or general Festival information can visit the website http://alpenabookfestival.wixsite.com/abf2016or the Festival’s Facebook page. The Alpena Book Festival and its activities are made possible in part through the support of the Michigan Center for the Book, the Michigan affiliate of the National Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. -- Jessica Luther Development Coordinator Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library 989.356.6188 ext 25