If you are an avid reader or want to learn more about how to publish and market a book, then you don’t want to miss the 2016 Local Authors Expo and Book Fair taking place February 20 at the Central Library.

The 10th annual expo, featuring more than 100 local authors, is the perfect opportunity to discover the abundant writing talents found in metro Birmingham, said David Blake, head of the Fiction Department at the Central Library.

“It is a great chance to find the perfect gift for yourself, family, or friends,” said Blake, coordinator of the Local Authors Expo. “Even the hard-to-shop for person will be thrilled to receive an autographed book that is dedicated to them personally. Come join the fun and shop from topics that range from A to Z.”

The diverse offerings include Irene Latham’s young adult novel, Leaving Gee’s Bend, which will captivate readers and give them insight into state history, quilting, and poverty that is overcome by creative talents, a less conspicuous form of riches, Blake said. Nick Patterson’s Birmingham Foot Soldiers offers true accounts of ordinary citizens who put their personal safety concerns aside to fight for a greater cause during the 1960s civil rights movement in Birmingham. 

Football fans will get to meet Alabama native Sherman Williams, a running back who played for the University of Alabama and the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Williams will have a table displaying and selling copies of his new book, Crimson Cowboy.

Another former Tide running back, Tony Nathan, who played for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, is profiled in Todd Gerelds’s book, Woodlawn. Besides participating in the Saturday Local Authors Expo, Gerelds will return to the Central Library on Sunday, February 21, at 2:15 p.m., for a book talk/book signing and a free screening of the new movie, Woodlawn, that is based on his book. 

General fiction books available at the expo will include inspirational, poetry, historic novels, children’s books, and thrillers. Nonfiction books available for purchase include biographies, memoirs, art instruction, dogs, food, health, aging, medicine, nursing, law, and sports, just to name a few.

“This event offers the perfect venue for all writers, people interested in writing, and people interested in books to mingle, share ideas, and network,” Blake said.

Serious writers who wish to sharpen their craft and learn more about publishing and marketing will want to attend two free presentations open to the general public during the Local Authors Expo. The workshops, to be held in the Richard Arrington Auditorium in the Linn-Henley Research Library, will be as follows: 

Saturday, February 2010:30 a.m. 
So You Want to Write a Children’s Book
Panel Discussion featuring moderator Irene Latham, joined by Kerry Madden and Jo S. Kittinger. All three are members of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

1:00 p.m. 
The Art of Marketing Your Book, led by Greta King of PDMI Publishing

Click on http://www.bplonline.org/programs/LocalAuthors/ to learn more about the 2016 Local Authors Expo.