General FAQs
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Percival Everett will speak about his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel James in a special Friday night program to open the festival.
Mega-bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid will discuss her latest novel, Atmosphere, with Kansas City-based author Adib Khorram, author of the forthcoming It Had to Be Him.
Internationally award-winning sci-fi/fantasy author Nnedi Okorafor, known for drawing her stories from African cultures, will speak about her novel Death of the Author.
Bestselling and award-winning children’s book author Derrick Barnes, a former Kansas City Public Library youth outreach specialist, will discuss his forthcoming middle grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze.
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Book signings are scheduled to start immediately following presentations. Attendees may begin joining a book signing line no more than 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled signing time. Lines will be monitored by event staff.
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Yes! Watch the following programs live or later via YouTube.
Percival Everett: James Available until 10/25
Nnedi Okorafor: Death of the Author Available until 10/25
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Visit Central Youth Services between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to experience four new books through author-led storytimes and meet the authors during book signings.
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.
Catch the featured event with bestselling and award-winning children’s book author Derrick Barnes, a former Kansas City Public Library youth outreach specialist. Barnes will discuss his forthcoming middle grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze on the featured presenter stage in Kirk Hall.
Spot StoneLion Puppet Theatre as they wander throughout the Library during the festival.
Drop in to Craig Auge’s open collage session in the Durwood Film Vault Foyer.
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Participate in a variety of workshops, including collage sessions offered by Craig Auge and Simaran Singh, a D&D writing workshop from Lex Lower, and book journaling 101 with Shanna Smith of @cozygreylibrary.
Catch the featured event and book signing with bestselling and award-winning children’s book author Derrick Barnes, a former Kansas City Public Library youth outreach specialist. Barnes will discuss his forthcoming middle grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze on the featured speaker stage in Kirk Hall.
View original art exhibitions on display in the 1st floor Guldner and 3North galleries, and on the 5th floor.
Contribute to a collaborative sculpture made of reuse materials provided by Magpie Creative Reuse Collective near the gallery space on 3North.
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Food trucks: GOCHEW Burger & Sandwich and The Stuffed Mushroom
Grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, coffee, and treats from The Nook
StoneLion Puppet Theatre’s roving puppets
Portrait sessions with artists Graham Carroll and Andy Ozier
Artist Chico Sierra and book-inspired chalk creations
Creative workshops and panel discussions
Original art exhibitions in Library galleries
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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!
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Join the Heartland Book Festival email list at heartlandbookfest.org.
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The festival is funded by generous donors and presenting partners. Visit heartlandbookfest.org/donate to contribute and see this year’s sponsors.
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No. The Central Library is open Saturday, October 11 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 will be open for normal library services.