The 2025 Ohioana Book Festival will include author and illustrator panel discussions, family friendly activities, food trucks, a book fair, the chance to explore Ohioana Library, and more!

The Ohioana Book Festival gives readers the opportunity to make meaningful connections with Ohio authors & illustrators. We are hosting 76+ authors and illustrators this year.

Schedule of Events

Book Signings

10:00am – 5:00pm, State Library of Ohio

Meet your favorite authors, make meaningful connections, and get your books signed, throughout the festival.

Board Room & Lucas Room, State Library of Ohio

Click here to view the FULL 2025 Ohioana Book Festival Author List!

Author Panels - State Library of Ohio

Panel Session One: 10:45am-11:30am

The Art of Nonfiction: Choosing to write nonfiction can seem like a daunting task, sometimes involving years of research – and then you must actually WRITE the book! Join these four authors as they dive into the process of creating nonfiction books – from the pitch to publication.

Panelists: Shawnie Kelley, Mandy Shunnarah, Maggie Smith, Annie Zaleski

Moderated by: Laura Maylene Walter

Room 108

Empowering Children Through Picture Books: These panelists will offer insights on writing about topics that empower children, from learning about historical figures and events to encouraging literacy as kids begin to read. This discussion is a must for children, parents, teachers, and aspiring authors!

Panelists: Quartez Harris, Katie Mazeika, Dia Mixon, Savanna Flakes

Moderated by: Desiree Thomas

Training Room

Story Time starting at 10:45am:

Ohioana Library Reading Room

Will Hillenbrand

Panel Session Two: 12:00pm – 12:45pm

If Books Could Kill: These masters of suspense will share the secrets behind their thrilling plot twists and unforgettable characters, discuss the inspiration for their latest novels, and reveal how they keep readers guessing until the final page.

Panelists: Angela Crook, E.M. Jones, Mindy McGinnis, Andrew Welsh-Huggins

Moderated by: Patrick Stuart

Room 108

Voices of Ohio: Join five talented poets and storytellers for a dynamic discussion as they explore the power of language, identity, and place in their featured books, offering a deep dive into the diverse landscapes and voices that shape the Buckeye State’s poetry scene.

Panelists: Ajanaé Dawkins, Yalie Saweda Kamara, Damaris Puñales-Alpízar, Scott Woods

Moderated by: Lyn Ford

Training Room

Story Time starting at 12:00pm:

Ohioana Library Reading Room

S.R.D. Harris & Camryn Brooke

Panel Session Three: 1:15pm – 2:00pm

Love Story: From suspenseful to cozy, historical to modern, these romance writers create stories that capture our hearts. Come hear them discuss their writing processes and how they put their own spin on the endlessly-popular genre.

Panelists: Terreece M. Clarke, Patricia Sargeant, Ashley Willow

Moderated by: Eileen Curley Hammond

Room 108

In Our Own Words: These authors find inspiration in real people, places, and events in their own lives. Come hear them talk about the unique opportunities and complications they encounter while writing memoir and get some tips on how to tell your own story.

Panelists: John Philip Drury, Sarah Gormley, Rebe Huntman, AJ Romriell

Moderated by: Michelle Gubola

Training Room

Story Time starting at 1:15pm:

Ohioana Library Reading Room

T.L. McBeth

Panel Session Four: 2:30pm – 3:15pm

Writing for Young Adult Readers: These panelists will discuss their books for Young Adult readers and why they find the genre so compelling. Join them as they discuss their unique books ranging from anthology to romance to thrillers and graphic novels!

Panelists: Kristy Boyce, Skye Quinlan, Mar Romasco-Moore, Rafael Rosado, Ashley Hope Pérez

Moderated by: Diane Callahan

Room 108

Every Picture Tells a Story: Join four authors who create books for young readers, as they explore the process of writing and/or illustrating a picture book. They will discuss their books, inspirations, and the importance of storytelling in the lives of young children.

Panelists: Jashar Awan, Lindsay Bonilla, Jacob Grant, Valerie Reynolds

Moderated by: J.P. Mitchell

Training Room

Story Time starting at 2:30pm:

Ohioana Library Reading Room

Kellie DuBay Gillis

Panel Session Five: 3:45pm – 4:30pm

Middle Grade Fiction: This panel will discuss writing for a Middle Grade audience, from crafting storylines to writing authentic and relatable characters. Featuring a panel of award-winning authors of books for Middle Grade readers, this is a session you won’t want to miss!

Panelists: Sharon Draper, Elisa Stone Leahy, Tricia Springstubb, Carol Williams

Moderated by: Erik Jon Slangerup

Room 108

Exploring History Through Fiction: Join this creative group of fiction writers who craft fascinating stories inspired by true-to-life historical events. Come hear them chat about their writing processes and how they bring the past back to life.

Panelists: Kalynn Applewhite, Patti Flinn, Amanda Flower, Mercedes King

Moderated by: Robin Nesbitt

Training Room

Story Time starting at 3:45p.m.:

Ohioana Library Reading Room

Jeffrey Ebbeler