September 14, 2018
Although autumn doesn’t officially start until September 22nd, it certainly already feels as if the seasons have changed. The chilly, rainy weather of this past week might bring to mind thoughts of changing leaves, pumpkin pie and shorter days. Here at Ohioana, it also reminds us of the myriad of literary events that happen around the state during the autumn. Whether you’re looking to hear your favorite author speak about their work, get a book signed, or buy something new to read, there should be something to satisfy you in the coming months. Check out our list below for some literary events around Ohio this fall that you shouldn’t miss.
Cleveland Public Poetry: Featuring Maxwell Shell
When: September 15th, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Where: Literature Department, Main Library, 325 Superior Ave., 2nd FL
What: “Ohio Center for the Book and Cleveland Public Library invite you to celebrate the changing of the season amidst the readings of written and spoken-word poetry, with our special guest reader poet MaxWell Shell. After a brief Q&A, the mic will open for others to read an original or favorite work. Free refreshments and snacks provided. Door prizes, too!”
Admission: Free
https://ohiocenterforthebook.org/2018/08/06/cleveland-public-poetry-2018-fall-schedule/
Photo credit: Jeff Sabo
Tigerland by Wil Haygood book events
An Evening With Wil Haygood at East High School
When: September 20th, 7:00pm
Where: Columbus East High School,
East High School
1500 East Broad Street
Columbus , OH 43229
What: “In partnership with Columbus City Schools, Gramercy Books welcomes award-winning author and journalist, Wil Haygood, to Columbus East High School for his national book tour launch of Tigerland:1968-1969: A City Divided, a Nation Torn Apart, and a Magical Season of Healing. Haygood will share the story of Columbus’ own East High School Tigers, who won baseball and basketball state championships in the midst of the racial turbulence and segregation of the late 1960s, and how they inspired a community.”
Admission: Free, but tickets must be reserved through Eventbrite
https://www.gramercybooksbexley.com/event/gramercy-salon2424-evening-wil-haygood-east-high-school
An Afternoon With Wil Haygood
When: September 23rd, 3:00pm
Where: Schottenstein Theatre at Bexley High School
326 South Cassingham Road
Bexley , OH 43229
What: “Join us in welcoming Columbus’ own, Wil Haygood, for a special afternoon featuring his new book, Tigerland:1968-1969: A City Divided, a Nation Torn Apart, and a Magical Season of Healing, an emotional, inspiring story of two teams from a poor, black, segregated high school in Columbus, who, in the midst of the racial turbulence of 1968/1969, win the Ohio state baseball and basketball championships in the same year. This program, to include an author talk, reading and book signing, is presented in partnership with Bexley Public Library.”
Admission: Free
https://www.gramercybooksbexley.com/event/gramercy-salon2424-afternoon-wil-haygood
Wil Haygood at University of Dayton
When: September 25th, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Kennedy Union Ballroom, Kennedy Union 241
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 – 0620
What: “Wil Haygood, Pulitzer-nominated journalist and New York Times best-selling author of The Butler and Showdown will be discussing his new book, Tigerland: 1968-1969: A City Divided, a Nation Torn Apart, and a Magical Season of Healing. Tigerland tells the story of Columbus’ East High School Tigers, baseball and basketball teams from a poor, black, segregated high school that each won two Ohio state championships in the same year, uniting a racially-charged community in the aftermath of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Haygood is praised for connecting the civil rights movement and its iconic heroes with current events and enduring struggles. Above all, he brings the powerful perspective that this is the history of all Americans, shaping our national identity and common values. Haygood will be interviewed by his friend, Michael Carter, chief diversity officer at Sinclair Community College. Copies of Tigerland, in addition to other titles by Haygood, will be available for purchase. A book signing will follow the presentation.”
Admission: Free
https://udayton.edu/calendar/2018/09/ud-speaker-series-talk-by-wil-haygood.php
Lit Youngstown Fall Literary Festival
When: September 21st-22nd, 9:30am-9:00pm
Where: Kilcawley Center,
Youngstown State University,
1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44505
What: “This year’s festival will feature accomplished visiting writers, a book fair, a caucus for literary arts nonprofits, panels on many aspects of the literary arts, craft talks, workshops and readings in fiction, nonfiction and poetry.”
Admission: Check website for more information
https://lityoungstown.org/fall-literary-festival/
Cartoon Crossroads Columbus
When: September 27th-30th, check website for times
Where: Varying locations, check website for more information
What: “CXC is a free, citywide arts festival hosted every year by people and places with a passion for cartoon arts. CXC connects the global family of cartoon storytellers, comic makers, and animators with the people who love and are inspired by their art. Together, they celebrate the stories that can only be told in visual media that are as diverse as the people who imagined them.”
Admission: Free
http://cartooncrossroadscolumbus.com/
Ohioana Awards
When: October 18th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Ohio Statehouse,
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
What: “The Ohioana Book Awards are the second oldest, and among the most prestigious, state literary prizes in the nation. Nearly every notable Ohio writer of the past 76 years has been honored. Tickets for the Awards go on sale on September 15th.”
Admission: $50 per ticket
http://www.ohioana.org/programs/ohioana-book-awards/
Books by the Banks
When: October 20th, 10am-4pm
Where: Duke Energy Convention Center,
525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
What: “The premiere event is the Books by the Banks Cincinnati Regional Book Festival held annually in downtown Cincinnati. The day-long festival, which is free and open to the public, features national, regional, and local authors and illustrators; book signings; panel discussions; and activities for the entire family to enjoy.”
Admission: Free
Pickerington Teen Book Fest
When: October 27th, 10am-5pm
Where: Pickerington Public Library,
201 Opportunity Way
Pickerington, OH 43147 United States
What: The Pickerington Teen Book Fest is free and open to the public! Add this event now to your calendars, and get ready to spend one incredible day with twelve incredible authors of teen and young adult fiction!
Admission: Free
https://pickeringtonlibrary.org/pickerington-teen-book-fest-2018/
Buckeye Book Fair
When: November 3rd, 9:30am-4pm
Where: Fisher Auditorium
1680 Madison Ave, Wooster, OH 44691
What: “Meet 100 Ohio authors & illustrators at the 31st annual Buckeye Book Fair.”
Admission: $2
http://www.buckeyebookfair.com/
Which of these literary events are you most looking forward to? Are there any we missed that you think we should know about? Leave us a comment, or send an email to ohioana@ohioana.org.