CHARLESTON, W.Va – The Mountain State’s annual celebration of the written word returns this Saturday for West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston.
The Vandalia Health Center hosts the event, which welcomes authors, illustrators, and avid readers from around the country to the Capital City.
“We have something for everyone, so we have something for the adults and the families. We have best-selling authors coming in,” co-chair Sarah Mitchell said on 580 Live with Dave Allen.
Those guests include “Goosebumps” writer R.L. Stine, “Hidden Figures” author Margot Lee Shetterley, historical fiction novelist Kate Quinn, and mystery writer Craig Johnson. There are also opportunities for local writers to promote their work and future authors to hone their skills.
“We have writing workshops. If you’re that aspiring author and you want to be one of our program proposals in the future, you can come and learn how to write and work on your writing yourself,” Mitchell said.
Other highlights include children’s programming, live presentations, and the event’s popular book sale. The sale’s proceeds go toward supporting the Kanawha County Public Library.
“All the money made from the book sale goes back into the library for us to present more programs, and it’s just awesome. It helps the community out when you buy books and more people have books,” Mitchell said.
Readers and writers young and old are expected in Charleston this weekend, and that makes Mitchell proud year in and year out. She can’t wait to welcome them back on Saturday.
“I love seeing kids’ faces when they come in. I love seeing just the smiles and the enjoyment of the written word and West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio people coming in just to celebrate the book,” she said.
More information is available online at wvbookfestival.org.