Heartland Book Festival

Join us for the Heartland Book Festival at the Central Library on Saturday, October 12. This premiere literary event draws the region together through the power of story!

The 2nd annual Heartland Book Festival will feature local and national authors, publishers, and bookstores. The day is packed with author talks, panel discussions, book signings, workshops, vendors, and activities for children. There is something for everyone at this free and public event. Festival highlights include:

-Celebrated authors Tommy Orange (Wandering Stars) and Deborah Taffa (Whiskey Tender) share their perspectives on the Native American experience and stories of identity, addiction, family, and survival.

-#1 New York Times bestselling author Stacey Abrams speaks to PBS’ resident librarian and TikTok star Mychal Threets about the importance of libraries; she also hosts a special storytime for kids with her newest children’s book, Stacey Speaks Up.

-Style reporter Sarah Chapelle, creator of the popular Instagram account @taylorswiftstyled, discusses her new book Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras.

-Former Hallmark artist and Missouri’s 2024 Great Reads from Great Places awardee Pedro Martín talks to kids about his Newbery award-winning graphic
memoir Mexikid. Later in the day, he leads a cartoon and zine workshop for all ages.

-Representatives from Kansas City area independent bookstores BLK & BRWN, Rainy Day Books, Bliss Books and Wine, and Seven Stories speak about service to the literary community.

The Heartland Book Festival is a partnership with Missouri Humanities, the Kansas City Public Library, and the Missouri Center for the Book. Visit www.heartlandbookfest.org for more information and to reserve free tickets for each event.