Exciting Moments Await at the Heartland Book Festival in Kansas City!
Get ready to dive into the world of words, ideas, and inspiration as Kansas City prepares to host the second Heartland Book Festival this coming Saturday, October 12! Taking place at the charming downtown Kansas City Public Library, this festival promises to be a wonderful day filled with exciting events, engaging authors, and stories for everyone!
A Star-Studded Lineup
The festival kicks off bright and early at 9:15 a.m. with none other than Stacey Abrams, the bestselling author and former Georgia politician! Abrams is well known not only for her fantastic books, including “Our Time Is Now,” “Lead From the Outside,” and the delightful children’s book “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words,” but also for her incredible dedication to advancing voting rights through her political career. She will begin the day with a storytime event that is sure to captivate the kids and their families.
Later in the day, at 2:15 p.m., Abrams will share her insights on “The Importance of Libraries,” followed by a book signing session where fans can snag a signed copy of her latest works. What a unique opportunity to meet such an influential figure in literature and politics!
Meet More Fantastic Authors
The festival features a fantastic lineup of authors including Tommy Orange, famed for his bestselling titles, “There There” and “Wandering Stars.” Another exciting guest is Sarah Chapelle, who will take attendees through a trendy journey with her book “Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras.” Don’t miss out on meeting Pedro Martín, a talented illustrator and author of “Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir,” who had a notable career as a Hallmark artist for 27 years.
In addition to these well-known authors, you can expect to hear from a variety of amazing talents including librarians, memoirists, poets, and food writers, each bringing their unique perspective and art to the festival!
Engaging Activities for Everyone
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a diverse array of activities. Besides author sessions, you can participate in panel discussions, presentations, and even fun activities for the younger crowd. Attendees can explore a vendor hall featuring local organizations and authors, plus a bookstore alley for those looking to stock up on some new reads.
Getting There and What to Expect
While admission is free, don’t forget that online RSVPs are required for some of the special speakers, panels, and workshops. Though some events might fill up quickly, you can always add your name to waiting lists! Attendees without tickets may also get lucky if there are extra seats or if you’re okay with standing room. And for those driving, the Central Library parking garage offers free parking with ticket validation inside the library—easy peasy!
As a heads-up, some library services will be unavailable during the festival, but don’t worry! For those wanting to avoid parking hassles, a bus labeled “Streetcar Link” will provide free transportation to the library, making your journey a breeze. Plus, for folks who can’t make it in person, several programs will be livestreamed on the library’s YouTube channel, so you won’t miss out on any of the fun!
Final Thoughts
The Heartland Book Festival is shaping up to be a delightful gathering of book lovers, authors, and families, all celebrating the joy of reading and storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to the literary scene, make sure to mark your calendar for this fantastic event! See you there!
