Heading to the Louisville Book Festival? Here's what you need to know

Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read
Deedee Cummings, right, with her son Nick Cummings, 11, at their home in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 25, 2019. Cummings was concerned that there are not many holiday books featuring people of color so she wrote a holiday book inspired by him called "In the Nick of Time."
Deedee Cummings, right, with her son Nick Cummings, 11, at their home in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 25, 2019. Cummings was concerned that there are not many holiday books featuring people of color so she wrote a holiday book inspired by him called "In the Nick of Time."

Do you love reading? The Louisville Book Festival is once again bringing nationally known and locally recognized authors to the city who will share their secrets on how they broke into the industry and what they love most about writing.

The Louisville Book Festival, held this year on Nov. 10-11, aims to promote literacy among children, especially in urban areas. It was founded by Deedee Cummings, a Louisville author, therapist, attorney, and CEO of Make A Way Media, who is passionate about "passing down the lessons she has garnered through her work with Louisville families and kids in foster care," according to a news release announcing the festival.

Participating authors in the 2023 festival include Jermaine Fowler, "The Humanity Archive," and Brittany J. Thurman "Fly," both of Louisville. Former Governor Paul Patton will be present throughout the festival signing copies of his new release "The Coal Miner Who Became Governor." There will be special appearances by the Fly Guy, the Wild Thing from "Where the Wild Things Are," and Pete the Cat.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Jermaine Fowler is a storyteller and self-proclaimed intellectual adventurer who spent his youth seeking knowledge on the shelves of his local free public library. Between research and lecturing, he is the host of the top-rated history podcast, The Humanity Archive, praised as a must-listen by Vanity Fair. Challenging dominant perspectives, Fowler goes outside the textbooks to find recognizably human stories. Connecting current issues with the heroic struggles of those who've come before us, he brings hidden history to light and makes it powerfully relevant.

The festival is sponsored by Make A Way Media and the Fund For The Arts and is held in partnership with the Louisville Free Public Library, Carmichael’s Bookstore, University of Louisville and Jefferson County Public Schools.

“We believe that literacy is a fundamental human right and that there is power and purpose in bringing books to life every day of the year,” Cummings said in a news release. “We celebrate books and use them to highlight and grow the resilient culture of our vibrant city, as well as to encourage and elevate our creative and critical thinking as a community.”

Here's what to know:

Louisville Book Festival 2023

WHAT: The Louisville Book Festival is a non-profit organization with a mission of celebrating and promoting literacy and a love of reading. Speakers this year include Jermaine Fowler, "The Humanity Archive," and Brittany J. Thurman "Fly," both of Louisville. Former Governor Paul Patton will be present throughout the festival signing copies of his new release "The Coal Miner Who Became Governor."

WHERE: Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 S. Fourth St.

WHEN: Nov. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION: louisvillebookfestival.com

Reach features news clerk Gege Reed at greed1@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Here's what you need to know about the Louisville Book Festival 2023