Programs

Southern Kentucky Book Fest

Southern Kentucky Book Fest is one of the state’s largest literary events and is presented by Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Warren County Public Library, and WKU Libraries. Held annually, the Book Fest draws thousands of readers of all ages who welcome the occasion to meet their favorite authors and purchase signed copies of their books.

The Book Fest is also comprised of all the events you see below.

Children’s Day

Children’s Day is a full day devoted to school children in grades K-8, librarians, and educators. Students have the opportunity to meet and hear from their favorite authors, participate in dramatic and musical performances, and exercise their creativity in the make and do area. It’s lots of fun for teachers and parents too!

Teens’ Day

Teens’ Day will be an immersive conference-setting experience that puts teens/authors/teachers all in the same room for important conversations around books and life. A select group of young adult authors be in conversation with each other and then available to discuss their work one-on-one with students. An opportunity to purchase books and have them signed or personalized will follow.

Kentucky Writers Conference

Bestselling authors and educators participating in SOKY Book Fest will teach craft workshops about everything from plotting techniques to employing poetic language to getting published. The conference is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, so you must register in advance.

Meet the Authors Reception

SOKY Reads!

SOKY Reads! is a community reading program that spotlights one book and one author each year. As part of the program, the Book Fest partners distribute up to 500 copies of the selected book in the area, and it offers each reader the chance to join a community-wide conversation about that book. The author of the selected book visits local schools in Bowling Green and does a writing workshop, a presentation, and participates in special events.

Used Book Sale

The Used Book Sale is an annual fundraising event benefitting the Southern Kentucky Book Fest. Thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records are available for purchase for $1 or less!