Library event will highlight area authors

The Putnam County Public Library's inaugural "Festival of the Book" is a day to celebrate books, reading and creativity for the entire community -- and beyond.

Inspired by the National Book Festival, the library's event will highlight local and regional authors, encourage creative expression through writing and craft activities, and serve as the kick-off for the first Putnam County READS Program.

From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, patrons can mingle with their favorite authors, enjoy music, attend a reading, book signing, poetry writing or other workshop, learn to start their own writers' group, make book-related crafts and participate in fun activities for the entire family.

The stimulating keynote address at this year's festival will feature author Philip Gulley speaking about his most recently published book, "Porch Talk: Stories of Decency, Common Sense, and Other Endangered Species."

Gulley's appearance is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The day will begin with an exciting kick-off for children -- of all ages. "Asante Tales!" is a program of original stories by Nationally-known storyteller, Deborah Asante.

The day will also include a panel of first time authors that includes Jeffrey McCall, "Viewer Discretion Advised: Taking Control of Mass Media Influences," mystery writer Lisa Lutz, "The Spellman Files," and Lane Robins author of the fantasy novel "Maledicte."

A mystery author panel includes, Kit Ehrman, author of "Triple Cross" (2007 Best Books of Indiana Fiction Winner), Scarlett Dean, "Invisible Shield," J.A. Konrath, "Dirty Martini: A Daniels Mystery," and Michael Koryta, author of "A Welcome Grave," a 2007 Quill nominee.

Teens won't want to miss a presentation by graphic novelist Jay Hosler. A reception for local authors will recognize Putnam County talent as authors give readings from their books and mingle with the community.

All authors will have books available for purchase and signing at the festival.

Several workshops are scheduled throughout the day on topics including poetry for children, a poetry writing workshop for teens, how to preserve family documents, how to start a writers' group, and how to self-assess books of value.

Also, throughout the day there will a "meet the farm animals" -- with live animals and local celebrity readers of tales about farm animals, sponsored by Putnam County Farm Bureau.

Book-related craft activities in the Craft Tent for children and adults will be ongoing throughout the day, as will the Friends of the Library book sale. Free popcorn will be provided by Headley Hardware & Equipment Rental.

Festival sponsors we would like to recognize at this time include: Amber Bowers Photography, BannerGraphic, Bright Futures, Fine Print Book Store, First National Bank, Friends of the Library, Furniture Aware-House, Headley Hardware & Equipment Renta, and Putnam County Farm Bureau.

So, save the date -- you don't want to miss the festival.