Welcome to The Buckeye Bookmark ~ Where Stories, Authors, and Readers Come Together.
The Buckeye Book Fair is more than an event; it’s an experience, a celebration, and a cherished tradition nearly four decades strong. Each November, we bring together the stories, voices, and imaginations that define Ohio’s literary landscape, all under one roof in the warm and welcoming city of Wooster. It’s a day when books take center stage and readers feel right at home.
This year, one of those stories comes from a story of small-town secrets, set in fictional Bonhomie, Ohio. In Buckeye by Patrick Ryan, we meet Cal Jenkins, who leads a quiet life working in his father-in-law’s hardware store. That quiet is shattered when a stranger, Margaret Salt, rushes in and insists he turn on the radio. Together they hear the breaking news: the Allied forces have claimed victory, marking the end of World War II. In that moment of shared relief, they exchange a spontaneous kiss. As the novel unfolds across decades, a hidden truth comes to light that will bind and change their families forever, showing how a single decision can ripple through generations.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Wooster on November 1 for this year’s Buckeye Book Fair. Come celebrate the power of stories, meet the authors behind them, and be part of an Ohio tradition that readers know and love best.
Introducing Buckeye Book Flair, a fun new way to celebrate your love of books and the Buckeye Book Fair tradition! This year, fans can purchase a bright blue sash available in 30″, 36″, and 40″ sizes to fill with collectible Book Fair patches. Start your collection with the inaugural Buckeye Book Fair 2025 Patch, available exclusively this year, and proudly display your years of fandom. For longtime attendees, vintage patches will be available upon request. Don’t miss the chance to wear your Buckeye Book Fair pride and share your story, one patch at a time!
At the Buckeye Book Fair, Cinda Williams Chima finds that same sense of magic that drew her to books as a child. “What I love about Buckeye Book Fair is that entire families come to shop for books,” she says. “I enjoy talking to people and figuring out which of my books—or someone else’s—to recommend. I love the young readers who go to every table and talk to authors and look at books so that they can make an informed choice. It’s always like coming home.”
Featured Authors & Events
Brave & Bold with Shannon Hale
On Thursday, October 30, the community will gather in Wooster for Brave and Bold with Shannon Hale, a night celebrating creativity and the next generation of storytellers. The event will honor the 2025 Young Authors Excellence Award winners, shining a light on the bright voices shaping the future of literature. Bestselling author Shannon Hale, known for Princess Academy and the heartwarming Holly Jolly Kitty-Corn, will join us to celebrate these young writers. Her career reminds us that imagination and courage can turn dreams into lasting stories. Together, Hale and these young authors embody the promise and joy of storytelling in every form.
Join us on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Greystone Event Center in Wooster, Ohio, for an inspiring evening with Shannon Hale. Ticket options include General Admission ($25) for the main event and community celebration, perfect for a family night out; a Book Bundle ($40) with admission plus Shannon Hale’s latest book; and a Signing Experience ($50) that includes admission, the book, and a spot in the autograph line. The evening begins at 7:00 PM with a community presentation, followed by an audience Q&A at 7:45 PM, and book signing at 8:00 PM. To support literacy and our authors, please note that outside books will not be permitted—only books purchased at the event will be eligible for signing, with Shannon’s titles available on-site. With gratitude to our sponsors—the Tri-County Educational Service Center, Wayne County Public Library, Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, and the Ohio Arts Council—for championing 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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