The two-day event, the first of its kind in the area, is set for Oct. 13–14
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
All it takes is one person. Just one individual with an idea to create something truly spectacular.
In the case of the upcoming Bucks County Book Festival, which will hit Doylestown Oct. 13–14, the go-getter behind the operation is Elle Green, who simply couldn’t stand by while the area’s history of acclaimed authors went uncelebrated.
The Texas native moved north in April 2017, bringing with her a longtime love of these gatherings that take place annually throughout the country. Since 1995, Green volunteered at the annual Texas Book Festival, watching it grow from 40 authors and 3,000 attendees to 250 authors, including A-list names like Tom Hanks, and 45,000 attendees.
“That’s how big something like this can get,” she said.
So when Green came to Doylestown, which a number of renowned literary staples such as James A. Michener have called home, she was shocked to learn there was no such event. After bringing this to the attention of Mayor Ron Strouse, he encouraged her to start her own. Green was up for the challenge and quickly surrounded herself with a team of like-minded individuals, including co-chair Colleen Dunn and Doylestown Bookshop owner Glenda Childs, who is serving as the author liaison.
“We’ve put one foot forward after another,” Green said.
The trio soon found that they weren’t alone in wanting Bucks County to have a book festival of its own. The nonprofit Discover Doylestown adopted it as one of its events, and over the past nine months, local businesses have donated a total of $50,000. Green was thrilled and humbled over her new town’s early enthusiasm, which was mirrored by the publishing houses and authors she and her team reached out to.
“It turns out Bucks County is a big deal,” she said.
Despite this being the event’s inaugural year, 50 published authors, illustrators and vendors are slated to speak and exhibit. Over the span of the two-day festival, panels will take place every hour on the hour, spanning a broad range of genres such as women’s fiction, sci-fi and sports. These panels are free, with Q&A sessions and book signings following each.
In addition, tickets can be purchased to hear from keynote authors Chris Hedges, who will discuss his book America: The Farewell Tour, Michael Buckley, who will talk about Sisters Grimm and Nerds, and Floyd Cooper, the illustrator of Sisters & Champions, a true story about tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.
Cooper, who will speak on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Doylestown Fire Company, is looking forward to sharing his message of positivity and diversity with local children. Through his cover illustrations, which total nearly 100, the Coretta Scott King Award winner works to promote cultural awareness. For instance, a cover may feature two friends of different races, but a child will naturally pick it up, not yet aware of the racial barriers society places on itself.
“It may be a drop in the ocean,” he said. “But it builds an understanding between cultures. We live in a bubble. We don’t know our neighbors.”
Advance tickets are also available for a handful of workshops taking place during the festival, including a Writers’ Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon in the James-Lorah Memorial Home auditorium. Anyone interested in the art of writing, whether they’re a beginner or professional, is invited to attend this event, which will feature a flash fiction exercise and guest speakers.
According to Green, each day of the festival is geared toward a specific age group. While Saturday is dedicated to children’s authors and illustrators, Sunday is all about adults and young adults. She also stressed that the event is for everyone, whether they’re an avid reader or not. For those who shy away from the idea of opening a novel, cookbook authors, podcasters and sports writers who have covered Philadelphia teams for years will be available for discussion.
Over the next month, Green encourages those planning to attend to visit the festival’s website. Here, they can view an up-to-date schedule, obtain details on parking and ultimately map out their entire weekend. But in case guests do need some on-site guidance, Green has rounded up 200 volunteers to ensure the festival goes off without a hitch.
“People have been working like it’s their full-time job. Everybody has really stepped up,” she said. “It’s been a joy to watch it unfold.”
This year, Green’s goal is to make the festival happen and see what does and doesn’t work. In the future, she hopes to donate funds to a library, school or ESL program to benefit literacy in Bucks County. ••
If you go…
The Bucks County Book Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 13, at Doylestown Fire Company, 68 Shewell Ave., and Sunday, Oct. 14, in the Hamilton Street Parking Lot. The event is rain or shine. Visit bucksbookfest.org for more information, panel tickets and a full schedule.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
