Decatur Book Festival returns in October
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Book lovers and reading enthusiasts can rejoice, as the Decatur Book Festival is coming back this fall.
Why it matters: The return of the popular, long-running celebration of the literary world follows a hiatus last year when organizers paused to "re-evaluate short- and long-term festival and planning operations."
The latest: Festival dates are set for Oct. 4-5. The first day starts with what organizers call a "keynote event" and panels with authors and other events are set for the second day.
- Participating bookstores include A Capella Books, Charis Books & More, Eagle Eye Books, Little Shop of Stories and Brave & Kind Bookshop.
What they're saying: Alison Weissinger, director of the DeKalb County Public Library and president of the festival, said in a press release that the team is "thrilled to see renewed support from our community and key stakeholders, and we look forward to unveiling our new and returning sponsors soon."
- Leslie Wingate, who recently retired from Emory University, has rejoined Decatur Book Festival as its newest executive director. She previously served as its vice president.
Flashback: The Decatur Book Festival would attract as many as 80,000 people. But it experienced a decline in sponsorships after the pandemic, and had no full-time staff or executive director in 2023, according to the AJC, which used to sponsor it.
What we're watching: Whether this year will attract notable authors like Roxane Gay, Natasha Trethewey and Isabel Wilkerson.