Book lovers can look forward to the return of one of the region’s premier book festivals at the Burlington County Library next month with more authors, entertainment and activities for all ages and interests.
The Burlington County Book Festival will be held on Saturday, April 13, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Burlington County Library, 15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton. Now in its second year, the community event will offer visitors opportunities to meet talented authors, mingle with fellow book lovers, shop for handcrafted gifts and enjoy crafts, games and performances from storytellers, musicians and more.
The event is co-hosted by the Burlington County Library System (BCLS) and Burlington County Library System Foundation with support from the Burlington County Commissioners and other event sponsors, including the New Jersey Council for Humanities, Holman, PSEG, Amazon and TD Bank.
“For over a century, the Burlington County Library System has provided opportunities for residents to access books and discover their power to entertain, enlighten and inspire. The Burlington County Book Festival celebrates this legacy,” said Burlington County Commissioner Tom Pullion, the liaison to the Burlington County Library System. “The inaugural 2023 festival was a big success and this year’s festival promises more fun, and excitement. We’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors and seeing this event continue to grow.”
Burlington County Library System Director Ranjna Das said the festival was quickly becoming one of the best of its kind in South Jersey.
“The Burlington County Library System’s mission is to give people opportunities to learn, connect and discover new things, so we’re excited to host a festival that will allow visitors to discover new books and authors while showcasing the many services and resources offered at BCLS’s main branch library and system wide,” said Das. “There will be dozens of emerging authors and established talents to meet and purchase books from, plus presentations and activities for children, families and anyone looking for a fun Saturday. We encourage everyone to join us on April 13 for this celebration of reading and literature.”
Already more than 30 authors from across New Jersey and beyond have signed up to participate in this year’s festival. Throughout the day they will be available to discuss, autograph and sell their work. Books for adults, young adults and children in a wide variety of genres will be showcased, including mystery, fantasy, romance, nonfiction and more.
Unique treasures will be offered by local artists and vendors, and attendees can also shop for a variety of titles at the Friends of the Burlington County Library’s pop-up book sale.
Among the scheduled performers is acclaimed storyteller, musician and vocalist TAHIRA, who will share tales of freedom fighters and the Underground Railroad at 12:30 PM. The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers will deliver a special presentation at 2:30 PM highlighting the origins and meanings of several songs, dances and traditions from many North American indigenous tribes.
This year’s festival will also feature presentations from a selection of distinguished authors, including:
- Jay Cooper, author and illustrator of more than 25 books for children, who will demonstrate his creative process in the children’s area at 10:30 AM.
- Angus Gillespie, author of Twin Towers: The Life of New York City's World Trade Center, who will discuss the history of the Twin Towers in the meeting room at 11:30 AM.
- Mike Dawson, author of the middle grade graphic novel The Fifth Quarter, who will demonstrate on-the-spot cartooning in the auditorium at 11:30 AM.
- Allen Crawford, author of A Wild Promise: An Illustrated Celebration of the Endangered Species Act who will discuss the status of endangered species in the United States in the meeting room at 12:30 PM.
- Kim Kelly, author of Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor, who will discuss her journey into labor journalism and her work as a labor columnist for Teen Vogue and other media outlets in the Teen Zone at 12:30 PM.
- Alliah Agostini, author of The Juneteenth Cookbook, who will address the history of Juneteenth and her personal connection to the holiday in the auditorium at 1 PM.
- Jim Cullen, author of 20 books including Born in the USA: Bruce Springsteen in American Life, who will discuss his work as a cultural historian in the meeting room at 1:30 PM.
A full schedule of activities and authors attending the festival is available on the BCLS website at www.bcls.lib.nj.us/
“Please mark your calendar and join us for another amazing day at the library,” Das said. “Last year’s book festival was so much fun, we can’t wait for chapter two!”