Welcome to The Buckeye Bookmark ~ Where Stories, Authors, and Readers Come Together.
Each November, the Buckeye Book Fair brings together readers, authors, and illustrators for a day unlike any other in Ohio. Where else can you find over 7,000 books, meet the storytellers who bring them to life, and share the joy of discovery with fellow book lovers, all under one roof? The intimacy and connection of this gathering make it truly one of a kind.
Behind the scenes, so many people make this possible: passionate readers who return year after year, authors and illustrators who generously give their time and talent, a board of directors who provide guidance, and humble volunteers who keep every detail running as smooth as possible. Together, this community creates the magic of the Buckeye Book Fair.
The publishing industry is always evolving, but the love of books remains constant. What doesn’t change is the joy of discovering a new story, the comfort of meeting a favorite author, or the spark of connection that happens when readers and writers come together. Still, I find it bittersweet that Buckeye Book Fair is often called Ohio’s “best-kept secret.” The experience is too special not to be shared widely, and each year I hope more people will discover just how extraordinary this day can be.
This edition of the Buckeye Bookmark is filled with previews to help you build your itinerary and make the most of the day. From panel discussions to a scavenger hunt, flash fiction writing, and the chance to meet Ohio Indies and trending authors like Patrick Ryan, there is something for everyone. And, of course, traditions continue with beloved names like Will and Jane Hillenbrand, Dandi Daley Mackall, and Richard Cowdrey.
The Buckeye Book Fair is more than an event; it’s an experience, a celebration, and a tradition nearly four decades strong. We can’t wait to welcome you to Wooster on November 1.
~Kimberly Jarvis, Executive Director
Featured Authors & Events
Brave & Bold with Shannon Hale
Shannon Hale to Celebrate Young Authors Excellence Award Winners in Wooster
On Thursday, October 30, the community will gather in Wooster for a night of stories, recognition, and inspiration. Brave and Bold with Shannon Hale will shine a spotlight on the 2025 Young Authors Excellence Award winners, celebrating the bright voices who represent the future of literature. For decades, Buckeye Book Fair has recognized the creativity, imagination, and dedication of young writers through its programs. These award winners remind us that storytelling is not only alive and well, it is thriving in the hands of a new generation.
Bestselling author Shannon Hale will join us to honor these rising talents. Hale’s story is a perfect reminder of how far imagination can carry us. From her earliest days, she was a natural storyteller, dreaming up plays, bribing her siblings to perform them, and secretly writing novels she never dared to finish. Like many of today’s young writers, she once feared her dream of being an author was too impossible to reach. Yet, with persistence and passion, she found her voice and her readers.
Hale’s breakout novel, The Goose Girl, transformed that once “impossible dream” into reality, launching a career that now spans over twenty years, dozens of books, and audiences of all ages. From the Newbery Honor-winning Princess Academy to her New York Times bestselling graphic memoirs Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever, Hale’s stories have touched hearts and inspired countless young readers. Her works have been recognized with numerous awards, adapted into film, and translated worldwide. She continues to collaborate with other artists—including her husband, Dean Hale, and illustrator LeUyen Pham — to bring unforgettable stories to life.
The pairing of Shannon Hale with the Young Authors Excellence Awards could not be more fitting. Hale’s journey proves that stories born in childhood can grow into a lifetime of creativity, while the award-winning young authors of today show us that the future of literature is already here. Together, they represent the full circle of storytelling: the dreamers just beginning their journeys and the dreamer who never stopped.
📅 Thursday, October 30, 2025
📍 Greystone Event Center, Wooster, Ohio
🎟️ Ticket Options
- General Admission – $25: Enjoy the main event and community celebration. Perfect for a Family Night Out
- Book Bundle – $40: Includes admission plus Shannon Hale’s latest book.
- Signing Experience – $50: Admission, the book, and a spot in the autograph line.
🕕 Evening Schedule
- 7:00 PM – Community Presentation
- 7:45 PM – Audience Q&A
- 8:00 PM – Book Signing
📚 Please Note: To support literacy and our authors, outside books will not be permitted. Only books purchased at the event will be eligible for signing. Shannon’s books will be available for sale on-site.
With Gratitude to our Sponsors
Tri-County Educational Service Center, Wayne County Public Library, Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, and the Ohio Arts Council—for their commitment to young voices, creativity, and the transformative power of reading.
Reserve your seats now—and be part of a night that celebrates courage, connection, and the stories that bring us together.
Right in the heart of the exhibition hall, families will discover a lively Family Fun Activity Space filled with creativity, laughter, and hands-on learning. Our friends from local libraries will guide children and families through “make & take” art projects, a scavenger hunt, crafting colorful bookmarks, mini-books, and drawings to spark imagination and keep the love of stories going long after the fair.
✨ Spark the Bookish Spirit! The first 30 character-costumed guests who say “hello” at the Info Booth will get a free book!
The Buckeye Bookmark is the Buckeye Book Fair’s Newsletter, celebrating the transformative power of literature. Each issue shares how one book can change your life forever. Join us as we spotlight Ohio authors, promote literacy, and share stories that inspire and ignite the imagination. Don’t miss out on the magic!
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