Saturday, March 8, 2025
10 AM – 3:30 PM
In collaboration with Barrington High School’s Broncos for Books
If you have a passion for reading and writing, an interest in literary careers, or a desire to learn more about the world of books, join us for our first-ever Lit Fest! Book signing, button making, and bookmark decorating between sessions. Register for each individual session.
SCHEDULE AND REGISTRATION:
10 – 11 AM | Paths to a Literary Career Part I
Learn all about traditional careers in literature featuring panelists: author Charlie Donlea; editor Jen Prokop; illustrator Julie Kukreja, and industry professionals from Sourcebooks. REGISTER.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Power of Diverse Voices
Learn about the importance and impact of diverse voices and representation in the industry featuring panelists: comics artist and writer Gene Ha; author, educator, and performer Rekha S. Rajan; and author Nancy Johnson. REGISTER.
1 – 2 PM | Keynote with Sonali Dev
Join us for a special keynote with author Sonali Dev. USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev writes stories Mindy Kaling calls hilarious and heartwarming. Her novels have been named Best Books of the Year by Library Journal, NPR, the Washington Post, and Kirkus. She has won the American Library Association’s award for best in genre, the RT Reviewer Choice Award, multiple RT Seals of Excellence, has been a RITA® finalist, and has been listed for the Dublin Literary Award. Shelf Awareness calls her “Not only one of the best but one of the bravest romance novelists working today.” She lives in Chicagoland with her husband, two visiting adult children, and the world’s most perfect dog. REGISTER.
2:30 – 3:30 PM | Paths to a Literary Career Part II
Learn about alternative careers in literature featuring panelists: bookstore owner and seller Arlene Lynes; Booklist audio editor and reviewer Heather Booth; and public librarian and book award committee member Liz Kirchhoff. REGISTER.