The 4^th annual OHIOANA BOOK FESTIVAL is just around the corner – but even before the “Main Event” this Saturday (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the State Library of Ohio, FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC), you can get a sneak preview by seeing and hearing some of our authors in these special appearances:

Wednesday, May 5:

11:00 a.m. – Noon
ALL SIDES with Ann Fisher (WOSU 820 AM)

In celebration of the 4^th annual Ohioana Book Festival, Ann Fisher hosts three authors as they reflect on writing and their Ohio roots:  poet and Ohio State University English professor Andrew Hudgins and children’s author Angela Johnson, and author and illustrator David Catrow.

4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
DANNO TALK OF THE TOWN (WCRS-FM, 102.1/98.3)

Ohioana’s David Weaver and authors Laura Bickle and Dara Naraghi join host Dan “Danno” Thomas for a preview of the 2010 Ohioana Book Festival

7:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Lennox Town Center
1739 Olentangy River Road – Columbus, OH 43212

Young adult historical novelist Lisa Klein and horror and science fiction writer Lucy Snyder read from their works, talk with fans, and sign copies of their books at this first of two free events hosted at the Lennox Town Center by Barnes & Noble, the official bookseller of the Ohioana Book Festival

Thursday, May 6:

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.           �
Worthington McConnell Art Center (MAC)
777 Evening Street – Worthington, OH 43085

Meet and hear writer and Worthington resident Lucy Snyder at a free public reception in the beautiful new McConnell Arts Center

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble Lennox Town Center
1739 Olentangy River Road – Columbus, OH 43212

Cartoonist, author and illustrator David Catrow and poet Andrew Hudgins share their works, greet fans, and sign copies of their books at this second free event celebrating the Ohioana Book Festival

Friday, May 7:

Get a sneak preview of the 2010 Ohioana Book Festival and meet these featured authors at the following Columbus Metropolitan Library branches – all free and open to the public:

10:00 a.m.            DAVID CATROW
Northside branch
1423 North High Street – Columbus, OH 43201

11:00 a.m.            LORI FOSTER
Whitehall Branch
4371 E. Broad Street – Columbus, OH 43213

1:00 p.m.              ANGELA JOHNSON
Northern Lights Branch
4093 Cleveland Ave. – Columbus, OH 43224

1:30 p.m.              DAVID CATROW
Hilltop Branch
511 South Hague Avenue – Columbus, OH 43204

2:00 p.m.              LORI FOSTER
Gahanna Branch
310 Granville Street – Gahanna, OH 43230

2:00 p.m.              DAN CHAON
Dublin Branch
75 N. High St, – Dublin, OH 43017

We hope to see you at these events – and remember to join us Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the State Library of Ohio for the 4^th annual OHIOANA BOOK FESTIVAL – it’s FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!  No ticket required – no advance registration.  FREE parking, too!

Thank you, as well, to Barnes & Noble booksellers for all of their dedication and hard work. Alexa Reck and her team worked tirelessly to get the authors’ books and to keep them stocked throughout the day. At times it got a little hectic but Alexa and the Barnes & Noble crew always kept things flowing smoothly.

Big thanks, as well, to Vito’s Catering. Everyone enjoyed their fabulous food and great employees, both at the book festival itself and at the governor’s reception later that night.

Thank you to Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland for kicking off the festival, and for the lovely authors’ reception at the governor’s residence on Saturday night.

Check back to this blog for further updates and for reviews of the festival. Also head over to Ohioana’s Flickr account for photos from the outreach events and the book festival itself.

See you next year!

Tonight, Thursday, May 7th:

Ohioana Book Festival Featured Authors – Margaret Peterson Haddix & Jeff Smith
(readings and book signings)

Barnes & Noble – Lennox Town Square
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

From May 7-9, customers may use this voucher at any B&N across the U.S., not just in Ohio. 10-20% of the cost of any merchandise purchased with the voucher will be donated to Ohioana for the festival. The voucher can also be used at the book festival itself. It is only eligible for in-store use, NOT online.

Thank you very much to Barnes & Noble for their continuing support of the book festival, and this unique fundraising opportunity.