By Okon Ekpenyong

Even with unpredictable weather, the inaugural Columbus Book Festival, organized by the Downtown Columbus Metropolitan Library to commemorate the library’s 150th anniversary, which took place on July 15th and 16th, was a great success. The festival is a testament to the power of books and their impact on our lives.

The event spread across the historic Main Library and in the adjacent city park, Topiary Garden Park, which is a 9.2-acre public park in Columbus, Ohio’s Discovery District. Not only did the attendees enjoy walking through the stunning library with more than 300 thousand volumes of material, but they also enjoyed the numerous amenities at Topiary Garden Park. 

Organizers said that the festival did feature over 70 independent and self-published authors in Indie Author Alley, as well as dozens of book-related exhibitors and entertainers, artisans, and makers. 

“The Columbus Festival was an inspiring event, bringing together people of all nationalities to celebrate the power of culture and diversity. Attendees were reminded of the struggles faced by many in the past and present and how we can overcome adversity through cultural experiences and growth. The event was even more meaningful in light of the nationwide book banning and the need to protect our culture and ensure it is shared meaningfully”, said a Columbus Educator. 

The inaugural event celebrated the literary arts in Central Ohio with a wide range of activities for attendees of all ages. There were readings by some of Central Ohio’s best poets, storytellers, authors, and writers, as well as panel discussions, workshops, and book signings. Publishers were on hand to discuss their books and provide information about the publishing industry. 

Guests did have the chance to purchase books from local independent booksellers and authors, and that’s why the inaugural Columbus Book Festival is living up to its hype and promises to be an exciting and informative event for everyone for years to come!

The event allowed attendees to see authors from various genres they would not usually encounter, as well as local celebrities in their own right. “There might have been a little rain on Saturday, but it was undoubtedly jam-packed with people and fun,” the festival stated. 

I had a brief conversation with Author Ah’Hava Elyon, who wrote the thriller “Stolen,” based on a true story about how his stepfather covered up murdering his mother by claiming it was suicide but authorities later found out it was a homicide. The book is a tribute to his mother for overcoming adversity and fighting to protect her children from abuse. 

Among the sponsors of the event was Battelle, which made a significant donation that will help enhance existing and future projects at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. It was an unprecedented move, Battelle Corporation, headquartered in Columbus, donated $3.1 million to the Metropolitan Library Foundation, making it the largest donation in its history. As a world leader in scientific discoveries and technological advancement, the company develops and deploys world-changing solutions that benefit society. 

According to the library, the funds will help supplement the Summer Reading Challenge and Ready 4 Kindergarten programs, as well as invest in a new author series and community outreach initiatives.

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