Literary Festival at Southwest Library in Kenosha Oct. 5
The Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave., is hosting the Southport Literary Festival today, described as "a celebration of literature, creativity, and community."
The free event is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and also includes local bookstores Blue House Books and Studio Moonfall.
The festival features a variety of events, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings and workshops.
A highlight is a visit by best-selling author Brynne Weaver, known for her "Ruinous Love" trilogy and debut novel "Butcher & Blackbird," which will soon be adapted into a feature film.
"This is our second year organizing the Southport Literary Fair with the Kenosha Public Library, and I was so excited to add Studio Moonfall to our organizers this year as well," said Samantha Jacquest, owner of Blue House Books. "This is a fantastic event that allows book lovers to meet their favorite authors, promotes literacy in our community and allows us to thank Blue House Books and Studio Moonfall customers and library patrons for all they do to support their local bookstores and library.
"This event is for the readers, and we're so excited that it's growing."
Also at the event: Kenosha's Lettering Machine will offer print-on-demand "bookish gear" at their Apparel Bar; Josie Rodriquez of The Drawing Room will be doing caricatures; and food trucks will be on site.
Authors, panel discussions
Authors Alley: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Authors will be available throughout the day for meet and greets and signings. (Authors will be unavailable while they are participating in a panel discussion and during a 30 minute break for lunch.)
Meet & Greet with Brynne Weaver: 1-3 p.m. Note: Due to expectations of large crowds, a ticket is required to meet Weaver, which will include a purchase or preorder of any book from the "Ruinous Love" trilogy. You do not need tickets to attend either of Brynne's panels during the Southport Literary Fair, only for the meet and greet and signing. Get your ticket online at blue-house-books.com .
"10 Things I Love About Love": Noon. Romance authors Brynne Weaver, Becca Grischow and Carla Luna will talk about why they write love stories. Hosted by Melonie Johnson.
"Words that Haunt": 1 p.m. Horror authors Maureen Kilmer, Julia Fine, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore and Kelly Dwyer talk about how they bring the chills with just the written word. Hosted by Samantha Jacquest.
"The Art of the Mystery": 2 p.m. Authors Annelise Ryan, Nick Petrie, and Kelsey Rae Dimberg will talk about how to plan the perfect crime. Hosted by Patricia Skalka.
"Traveling Through Time and Place": 3 p.m. Authors Ronald H. Balson, Julia Fine and Olesya Salnikova Gilmore will talk about the importance of historical fiction. Hosted by Greta Kelly.
"The Journey From Book to Screen": 4 p.m. Authors Ali Novak and Brynne Weaver will talk about watching their stories come to life. Hosted by Samantha Jacquest.
"Our Inner Child": 1:30 p.m. Celebrating books for tweens and teens with authors Claire Swinarski, Ali Novak, Laura Anne Bird and Wendy Parris. Hosted by Meg Bonney
"The Story is in the Picture": 2:15 p.m. Talking about the benefits of graphic novels and illustrated middle grade books with Mary Winn and Donovan Scherer. Hosted by Marcia Siehr.
"Away with tradition": 3 p.m. Talking about "the journey of self-publishing" with Natasa Zoubouridis, B.C. Taylor, Sharon K. Angelici, Carla Luna and Audrey Lynden. Hosted by Melonie Johnson.
All 45-minute storytime sessions will include a reading and an activity.
Randi Moxi, reading "A Pittie Pool Party."
Peter Plew, reading "The Unicorn Mouse."
Leah Gilbert, reading "No Bear Anywhere" and leading a scavenger hunt to search for bears.
Activity room
Noon: Ookie Origami: Create a "bat bookmark" and other seasonal fold projects.
Spiders can be sweet in this activities. Materials will be provided to make a lollipop spider sitting in her web.
Transform a lunch bag into a one of a kind baby Groot. Then decorate Groot for a spooky or cute mood.
The library will provide the materials needed to create your own mini graphic novel. Donovan Scherer of Studio Moonfall will begin by leading a workshop to create a character.
Vendors and food trucks
Participants can pick a clothing item and a "bookish" logo, and watch The Lettering Machine create your gear. Note: A portion of the proceed will benefit the new Uptown Children's Library.
Noon to 4 p.m.: Caricatures: Josie Rodriguez of The Drawing Room will do caricatures for $35.
Noon to 4 p.m.: The Wisconsin Tolkien Society will be on site displaying novels from the vast Tolkien universe, reference materials, maps and art. It's a Tolkien fan's paradise.
Noon to 4 p.m.: Food trucks Hydn Cheese, The Sipster Mobile Bar and Boboa Pop Sweet Shop will be set up outside the library.
Features/GO Kenosha
