The East Texas Book Fest, a celebration of libraries and literacy, tales place on August 21 and 22 in the Harvey Convention Center, in Tyler, Texas, from 9:00 to 5:00 each day. This popular regional festival showcases 100 authors, scholars, and entertainers and offers many opportunities for people of all ages to have fun and to learn.

            Day 1 - Friday, August 21- concentrates on education and learning through two tracks. The first features well-known scholars and professionals who demonstrate best practices in enhancing literacy for all ages.  The second track focuses on the crafts of writing and publishing books. Outstanding experts, agents, and authors will lead these seminars. For the small $40 fee, participants can make their own choices from among six extraordinary seminars and earn continuing professional education credits from UT Tyler School of Education for them. Attendees who pre-register will get a free lunch as well. Register at etxbookfest.org.

            Day 2 - Saturday August 22 - is fabulous, fun, and free to the public. More than 100 published authors exhibit, sell, and sign their books while they chat with attendees. Break-out sessions offer participants opportunities to learn more about books and their topics from selected authors, agents, publishers, and literacy specialists. These writers and other experts will cover all age groups and many genres. Musicians, videos, costumed actors, games, and story-tellers will amuse children and adults alike throughout the day.

            Special opportunity on Day 2 is a workshop led by Bruce Foster, the king of popup paper engineering. You have seen his work in the book of national park, Harry Potter, and many more. The workshop takes place from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Space is limited to 30 attendees on first come basis. A $25 fee covers all supplies and materials. You can preregister and pay on website.

            Please check out our website at etxbookfest.org for full details about the schedule and the authors and other experts.

            The Harvey Convention Center is located at 2000 West Front Street, in Tyler, Texas. There is ample parking at Harvey Hall.                      

            SALT, an association of Smith County Public Libraries, and TAP, an association of Tyler area agencies and organizations that work to enhance and expand literacy, are working together to present this major celebration of libraries and literacy in East Texas.