Books, community, literacy
The Festival of Books in the Alleghenies started in 2018 as the Allegheny Regional Festival of Books (ARFB). It is organized as a truly grassroots, community based, literary festival, promoting authors, writing and reading, while raising funds for scholastic projects. Born from the imagination of a writers group, this vision was transformed into a framework driven by hard working volunteers committed to excellence. We now are reaching out so you can join us in achieving the goal to celebrate reading, while building community spirit.
One step, one book, one smile, one sprinkle of imagery fabricated and interwoven, providing inspiration, wit and vision until an author is created—a scripturient. Our festival will unite these creators, word-smithers and composers (some first timers, others established best sellers) with the inquisitive and curious, the cursory and true bibliophiles along the pathway of amusement and knowledge. A festival of books, a fun time for book lovers and authors.
Each publication has a story – listen to our authors as they chronicle their experiences through the process of writing, rewriting, editing and publishing. Gain insight into the hows, and whys of ideas, backstories, and plot lines. Learn firsthand how the protagonist was developed, or how a life experience shaped the character’s point of view. Did you inherit the writer’s gene, to produce a piece enjoyed by others, or maybe your passion is in the hunt, collecting those unique regional masterpieces, signed by the author, who knows the whispers and truths behind your towns provocative past?
Everybody loves a good story, especially when told by professional yarn spinners, starting with a smidgen of truth, some of whom become best known authors. The Book Festival not only features authors’ tents with over 50 juried authors, children’s actives to entertain and excite young minds, and we also features storytellers throughout the day, spread out within the business community, so you can enjoy their anecdotes while exploring new shops. Sip some tea, relish a pastry, or appreciate some artwork while listening to your new favorite author.
The revenue generated from the festival cultivates, provides access, improves proficiency, nurtures, and adds direction to community programs, benefiting youths to adults – one word, one sentence, one paragraph at a time. We see scholarship as a process and enlightenment, not an award.
Join us for the 2023 Festival of Books on September 15, 2023 for an evening with our keynote speaker. The keynote speech, the appetizers and drinks reception, and Book Festival fundraiser will all take place at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Loretto. On Saturday September 16, the Festival will be in Ebensburg. Plan on attending the Festival of Books, which is free and well worth the investment of time.
P.S. Become part of our team by being a volunteer, sponsor or patron. Your assistance will help promote this regional celebration of books and be greatly appreciated.