The ninth annual Kerrytown Bookfest returns to Ann Arbor Sept. 11 at the historical Kerrytown district's Farmer's Market.
The annual festival's goal is to illustrate Ann Arbor's history in both the writing and printing of literature and to exhibit local Michigan individuals, businesses and organizations that continue to operate within the region.
The Kerrytown Bookfest celebration of both readers and writers of literature has grown in size, garnering more attendees and exhibitors every year since its 2003 genesis. Last year the festival presented over 100 exhibitors and hosted to over 4,500 attendees.
The festival's theme this year is "Michigan Voices," showcasing the talent of Michigan's writers, many of which have been Michigan Notable Book Award winners and New York Times best-selling authors.
Speakers will run workshops in the main tent and Kerrytown Concert House to discuss writing and publishing in a variety of genres such as science fiction, biography, thriller and, more specifically, Michigan Civil War history and Victorian history. At 1 p.m., John Gallagher, author of "Re-imagining Detroit"; Sean Doerr and Dan Austin, author and photographer of "Lost Detroit," respectively; and NPR reporter Kate Davidson will host a workshop titled "Detroit Voices," which will focus on the changing face of Detroit, as well as the city's future.
A variety of other activities have been scheduled for the 2011 Bookfest, including drawing workshops with children's book illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw, the announcement of the fourth annual Book Cover Contest Award winners and an open reception within the Ann Arbor District Library for their Bookfest related exhibit, "Michigan Voices: Native Americans in Michigan."
Kerrytown Bookfest begins 11 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market, 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. For more information, visit http://www.kerrytownbookfest.org or call 734-794-6255.
