skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Wanna know how to succeed? Ask someone who excels in the face of rejection. Brad Meltzer (above) did just that. He pursued his writing craft despite 24 rejections of his first novel and went on to author 12 New York Times best sellers--so far. As keynote speaker at Book Fest, February 29, 2020, he shared his purpose of writing in different genres with 100+ fans listening intently. Mr. Meltzer said his children's books, such as I Am Amelia Earhart, I Am Albert Einstein, etc., are designed to give youth real heroes to follow and his other books are written to inspire readers.
Sponsored by the JPL Foundation, Book Fest was free to the public and, prior to that, JPLF hosted a Friday evening opportunity for paying guests to meet and greet Brad Meltzer.
The 10-3 Saturday event at Main drew approximately 3,000 people of all ages who found 80+ writers (mostly local) they could visit with and get autographed copies of books on almost any genre.
Director Tim Rogers was pleased with every phase of Book Fest and thought it was managed well. He especially liked Mr. Meltzer's approachable nature and his ability to relate to people of different ages and interests. He also enjoyed talking to a first time local author, Bob Longo, and said he made a new friend.
Above is children's author Becky Cummings (Gobble, Gobble, Mr. Wobble, etc.) with some of her avid readers.
.
Teen writer Neil Shusterman (above) inspired young writers and encouraged them to persist in their dreams to write.
L/R Eric Slater (Epic Fails-The Race to Space, etc.), and Michael Regina, who writes graphic novels, were obviously happy to meet their fans, make sales, and autograph books.
A huge round of applause to all who made this a smooth-running success: the JPL Foundation, the Book Fest committee: Director Tim Rogers, Amber Holley, Ray Albury, Marshelle Berry, Chris Boivin, Ashley Boyd, Meme Broadfoot, Lisa Buggs, Zoe Carr, Katie Devanny, Mandie McKenzie, Rebekah Mitchell, Chet Price, , Kristen Spencer, Amanda Toman--and those who volunteered to work that day.
JPL's second Jax Book Fest at the Main Library, February 3, 2018, saw a growing crowd of educators, young parents pushing strollers, participating in crafts with their kids or waiting in line for them to get balloon animal creations, buying children's books, and they did not miss the Children's department collection. Then there were teens and on up the age ladder at this free literary event enjoying the 100+ writers, getting autographs and buying books. Richard Mott reports, "We have an official gate count of 3,825. Last year we had 3,604. Pretty excellent considering the competing events in Jax!"
Additionally, there were volunteers and former staff (former Deputy Director Carolyn Williams and Branch Manager Cheryl CallavIni to name two) helping everywhere you looked on all four floors of Main. JPL staff had plenty to do, as you see L/R Tracy Pigott, Diane Alexander, Donna Crowther, and Nicolle Burton "lifting that tow and towing that bale"--well, pushing book carts with their workloads to put it in a library perspective.
Hope you made it, too.
The Jacksonville Public Library
hosted their inaugural Jax Book Fest Saturday, March 25, 2017, from 10-3 at the
Main Library. The Jax Book Fest celebrated books of every kind for every
age with 150 authors and illustrators and a wide range of fun activities.
More than 3600 people of all ages enjoyed the panel discussions and Storytime,
met with authors, shopped at the San Marco Bookstore in the 303 Lounge, took
part in Poetry Slam, had their faces painted and took home balloons
animals. Big thanks to Amber Holley, Lisa Buggs, Keli Likins and their
team for organizing the Jax Book Fest, the Literary Event of the Year. Thanks to Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin for the input; pics. CR&M's Margaret Fishback provided the pics and click on the link below to enjoy. Margaret adds, "You can download any
image you like by clicking on the down arrow symbol that appears at the bottom
right of the image:
Posts
