Avid bibliophiles and casual readers alike regularly beat a path to the Main Library on South Grant Avenue, but once a year, their ranks swell: Last year, more than 40,000 people attended the Columbus Book Festival, which takes place at the Main Library and Topiary Park.
“We’ve knocked it out of the park,” says Elisa Stone Leahy, events specialist and festival author liaison at Columbus Metropolitan Library. “And [it’s] not just our community which has shown up, but folks from all over. We had people coming from other states from far away traveling here with their book clubs.”
This year’s festival—which, like its predecessors, is free to attend—is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 13.
In-person author appearances are at the heart of the festival. “We have over 120 featured authors on panels in the Main Library and also on author stages in Topiary Park,” says Leahy, adding that an additional 80 authors will occupy the Indie Author Alley, a tent in Topiary Park.
The headlining guest authors this year represent a panoply of literary styles and modes: On hand to talk about their latest novels in the auditorium of the Main Library will be romance novelist Anna Todd (“The Last Sunrise”), thriller novelist Gregg Hurwitz (“Nemesis: An Orphan X Novel”), fantasy novelist Amal El-Mohtar (“The River Has Roots”), historical novelist Victoria Christopher Murray (“Harlem Rhapsody”), coming-of-age novelist Wally Lamb and romance and southern fiction novelist Mary Alice Monroe. “We try to find a good variety in our headliners,” Leahy says.
Beyond the chance to hear from various visiting authors, festivalgoers will have ample opportunities to expand their own libraries. “We have a giant official festival bookstore, where you can purchase all of the featured titles for this year’s book festival as well as back titles from our featured authors,” Leahy says.
And visitors shouldn’t forget opportunities to personalize a purchase: Signings are always a big feature of the fest. “After the authors speak on their panels, they will each come to the signing area, near the festival bookstore, and anyone purchasing a book can wait in line to get a signature from the author,” Leahy says. Signings for headlining authors will take place upon the completion of their talks.
Also offered for sale will be secondhand titles from the library’s own collection. “We’re giving them a second chance at a well-read life with our Big Book Sale,” Leahy says. “The revenue that we earn from that goes to support library programs and services.” Exhibitors include independent bookstores and presses, as well as shops selling literary or book-related merchandise, such as journals, jewelry, bookmarks and other collectibles.
To keep readers of all ages entertained, bands and poets will perform on a pair of stages, and children can attend craft sessions with picture book authors. “Folks can bring in their kiddos and do a craft related to their book with the author themselves present,” Leahy says. Food trucks will again be on site, but new for this year, beer and other cold beverages will be sold. “You should be able to find plenty to feed both your body and your brain,” Leahy says.
This story is from the Summer Entertainment Guide feature in the June 2025 issue of Columbus Monthly. It has been updated with new information. Subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Columbus Book Festival Returns for a Third Year With 200 Authors, Book Talks and More
Reporting by Peter Tonguette / Columbus Monthly
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