General FAQs

    • New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones discusses her most recent novel, Kin, with Susan B. Wilson, retired chancellor of diversity and inclusion at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

    • New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is in conversation with Sierra Simone, also a bestselling romance author, about Bailey’s latest book, Broken Rival.

    • Children’s book author Daniel Miyares reads one of his books and leads a storytelling workshop for kids.

    • Bestselling authors Victoria Aveyard and Soman Chainani record an episode of their Plot Twist podcast that focuses on Aveyard’s latest novel, Tempest.

    • Picture-book author Giselle Anatol shares Small-Girl Zora and the Shower of Stories, a tall tale based on the life and work of legendary writer and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston.

  • Attendees may line up for panels and workshops 30 minutes before scheduled start times. Passes for mainstage events can be acquired when you sign in and include the times you can take your seat.

  • Book signings are scheduled to start immediately after presentations, at which time, lines are open.

    • Visit Central Youth Services between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for author-led storytimes and stay for the book signings to meet the authors.

    • Browse the best in children’s literature curated by youth librarians or purchase new books from a selection offered by local bookseller, Bliss Books and Wine.

    • Chico Sierra is a self-described artist, musician, writer, thinker, and doer. In this highly visual performance, Sierra will create bookish paintings on canvases in locations inside and outside the Library. Just look for one of his easels throughout the day!

    • Help create a collaborative coral reef sculpture. Paint a reef, add more coral, or design a fish. Materials provided by Magpie Creative Reuse Collective, a Kansas City nonprofit serving artists and makers of all ages.

     

  • Join the festival volunteer pool here. You’ll be added to a volunteer-specific email list. Watch for periodic messages announcing opportunities. Thank you for your support!

  • The festival is funded by Missouri Humanities and other generous donors and presenting partners. Visit heartlandbookfest.org/donate to contribute and see this year’s sponsors.

  • No. The Central Library is open Saturday, October 3 for Heartland Book Festival attendees only. Regular services, such as hold pickups, public computers and phones, and public meeting rooms, will not be available.

    All other Kansas City Public Library locations are open for normal library services.