Not many Americans can boast of having a first-class literary
festival in their own backyard. But those of us who live in the
Washington metropolitan area now have the opportunity to spend a
beautiful spring day mingling with accomplished authors, listening to
readings, and enjoying the company of other book lovers. That’s because
we have the Gaithersburg Book Festival, a celebration of literature
that draws some of our nation’s finest authors to the heart of
Montgomery County.
Now in its fourth year, the festival will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
at the Gaithersburg City Hall grounds. Politics & Prose is proud
to be a sponsor of the event for the second year in a row, and also the
festival bookseller.
What makes the Gaithersburg Festival so special is not only the
park-like setting where it’s held, or the A-list of authors, but the
energy and passion of the volunteers who organize and run the event
every year. Leading the charge is Gaithersburg City Councilman Jud
Ashman, who first dreamed up the idea of a local book festival nearly five years ago. He enlisted others in the community and together they
launched the festival in 2010. Today it’s grown into an even more
extensive affair that draws upwards of 15,000 people.
A primary reason for the festival’s success is its ability to
attract some of the most notable authors of the day. Among those
participating this year are: Karen Thompson Walker (The Age of Miracles); Jami Attenberg (The Middlesteins); Sam Kean (The Violinist’s Thumb); Gary Krist (City of Scoundrels); Evan Thomas (Ike’s Bluff); Tara Conklin (The House Girl); Kia Dupree (Shattered); and Debra Dean (The Mirrored World),
to name only a few. There will also be a terrific group of children’s
authors, including Walter Dean Myers, Mac Barnett, and Fred Bowen of
the Washington Post. Attendees can also enjoy panel discussions about
books and book industry topics.
Fans of children’s literature will also be interested in a special
giveaway from the Children’s Book Council. The first 100 people to
spend $30 at the P&P sales tent will get a limited-edition, original
design poster by Caldecott winner Brian Selznick. The first 50 to
spend $50 will get a tote bag. We hope that you’ll join us for this
celebration of the written word and be part of one of the best local
book festivals in the nation. See you in Gaithersburg on May 18!
- Brad and Lissa
