CARTOON CROSSROADS COLUMBUS
Book Festival
ABOUT: Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) is a FREE four day comics, art & animation festival in Columbus, Ohio! This year’s show will take place from September 27 – October 1, 2023 and will feature an international, national and Columbus based guest list of renowned and up-and-coming creators. The festival will have over 50 hours of creator driven programming and an expo with 100+ exhibitors. All events are free to the public.
CD 92.9
Radio
ABOUT: Central Ohio’s Alternative Station. For more than 30 years, the WWCD radio brand has captivated the Columbus community through its unique blend of listener and community engagement.
COLUMBUS CHILDREN’S THEATER (CCT)
ABOUT: CCT educates and involves people of all backgrounds in the theatre arts. Through our education programs we foster self-esteem and self-discovery by emphasizing discipline, integrity, team-building, and communication skills in a positive and creative environment. We are excited to share our 2023-2024 season lineup, which is full of literary favorites!
DISNEY’S BROADWAY MUSICAL, FROZEN
ABOUT: “A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE, JAW-DROPPING AND POIGNANT.” Disney’s hit Broadway musical Frozen is coming to the Ohio Theater this July 26-August 8! Stop by our festival booth to play Reindeer Ring Toss and Enter-to-Win tickets to the show!
EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS
Mobile Visitors Center
ABOUT: Explore all that’s possible when discover the thrilling experiences available in Columbus. Visitors Center staff can assist you with recommendations and directions on what to see, do, and eat in Columbus. Pick up bookmarks, stickers and printed Experience Columbus Visitor Guides at our booth. Find hidden pictures on the Highlights Magazine coloring pages and get a map of the best places to read in the Columbus area.
MELLYPOP PRODUCTIONS
Entertainer
ABOUT: MellyPop! brings fun and engaging puppet performances, workshops and artist-in-residencies to libraries, schools, pre-schools, community centers and theaters. We are a family-based company dedicated to providing high quality and original entertainment to kids and families in the Midwest and beyond!
THURBER HOUSE
ABOUT: Founded in 1984, Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts center, James Thurber museum, historic landmark, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages.
We are based in the restored 1873 home of humorist, cartoonist, author, playwright, and journalist James Thurber, widely considered one of the foremost American humorists of the 20th century.
Thurber House programs include The Thurber Prize for American Humor, author events featuring nationally bestselling authors and local authors, writing workshops for children and adults, writer residencies, and a museum of James Thurber memorabilia.
BLACKBIRD BOOK & PAGE
ABOUT: Calling all wonderers and wanderers! Blackbird Book & Page creates interpretive art pieces that reflect favorite characters, quotes from beloved authors and artists, and novelties that thrill a bookish heart. We create wall and tabletop art prints made from vintage and discarded book pages, book page garlands, upcycled-leather sketchbooks, and other book themed decor made from repurposed materials.
BOOKS BY BRITTON
ABOUT: When I was a kid, I was obsessed with miniatures. Then, during the early months of the pandemic in 2020, stuck in my apartment and riddled with anxiety, I rediscovered my long-dormant passion for miniatures. Now, I’m a writer and MFA student by day and a miniature-artist by night who creates handmade miniature bookshelves and other literary gifts.
COBENICK STUDIOS
ABOUT: Located in the Forest Park neighborhood of Columbus, in the home of book and paper artist Daniel Colvin, Cobenick Studios is your source for fine handmade paper products and all book preservation and restoration needs.
COMIC LETTER DUDE
ABOUT: Comic Letter Dude is a shop specializing in unique comic book inspired creations. I have a colorful and action-packed selection of handmade Marvel and DC superhero themed gifts, home décor and items perfect for weddings, birthdays and many other life celebrations.
DFMI DESIGNS
Author/Illustrator
ABOUT: Local illustrator and graphic designed, Erin Alon Brain, has two children’s picture books she wrote and illustrated in digital drawings and mixed media collage. She’ll also be selling book & library themed notecards, decorative framed prints and booked themed collage shadowboxes.
JW STICKER SHOP
ABOUT: My name is Jaclyn, a digital artist, and I make in the form of stickers, magnets, keychains, magnetic bookmarks and more. I like to offer my art in these mediums because they are small and affordable.
LAB PARTNERS
ABOUT: Experimentation and exploration inspire us. We combine new technology, like 3D printers and laser cutters, with 25 years of traditional jewelry-making experience to create playful and unique jewelry. Librarians by trade, we are a two-person team, and we design and make jewelry, stickers, and more for readers, writers, and librarians.
MOONLACE BY YOLY
ABOUT: I am a huge bookworm who loves to create bookish, fandom merchandise and reading accessories! I make bookish clothing, handmade bookmarks and stickers for a wide variety of fandoms and genres (including Middle Grade, YA, New Adult, Fantasy and Romance) and some generic bookish items to encourage diverse reading.
PAPERED RAVEN
ABOUT: Papered Raven is run by a queer artist who takes inspiration from the imagery and motifs of books to create unique works of art on the books themselves. Fore edge painting is a less common decoration that features watercolor paintings on the paper edges of the book. You can browse finished works for sale, or share your favorite scenes for a commission.
STUDIO 42 DESIGNS
ABOUT: We are a husband and wife team that makes laser engraved leather goods for book savvy nerds. With designs for over 50 novels, custom notebooks, sketchbooks, gaming accessories and buttons and magnets.
DRAGON’S BOOK HOARD
ABOUT: The Dragon’s Book Hoard is a women & LGBTQ+ owned bookish business that focuses on bringing fantasy worlds to life through different senses through candles and other scented items. We work with various artists for officially licensed character artwork. Our favorite themes are: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Lord of the Rings and Greek Mythology.
BLACK EAGLE BOOKS
Publisher
ABOUT: Black Eagle Books is a nonprofit book publisher. We have over 350 titles in English, Hindi and Odia languages. We help authors to publish and distribute their books globally.
THE BOOK LOFT OF GERMAN VILLAGE
Book Store
ABOUT: The Book Loft of German Village is one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores. The pre-Civil War era buildings are now are home to 32 rooms of a vast stock of new bargain books, unique greeting cards, jigsaw puzzles, posters, and the latest popular and classic board games. Music available for sale plays on 18 sound systems throughout the store.
BOOKSPACE COLUMBUS
Book Store
ABOUT: We sell new and used books for people of all ages and specialize in current events, politics, and history—with lots of fiction as well. Shop online or visit our storefront in Clintonville.
BPRO EDITORIAL
Publisher
ABOUT: “Where dreams come to life in print.” As a bilingual small publisher in Spanish and English, we are deeply committed to the transformative power of dreams and bring them to life through our meticulously crafted publications. BPRO specializes in captivating stories that inspire the imagination, touch the heart, and transport readers to beautiful and inspiring worlds.
CHELLA CHICKEN BY TRAVIS SHIWJI
Author
ABOUT: Making his debut with Chella Chicken, Travis Shiwji aims to inspire a new generation of children in STEM with the help of NYC illustrator and childhood friend Deborah Bello. Curiosity and exploration will lead the way to a brighter future, through art!
COVER TO COVER CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Book Store
ABOUT: For over 40 years, Cover to Cover Children’s books has provided a welcoming space for all to discover classic to contemporary children’s books. We actively seek and promote diverse voices and perspectives in children’s literature.
DAYDREAMERS PRESS
Publisher
ABOUT: Daydreamers Press is a small, Black woman-owned business with a focus on curating books, media, and related programming, especially for children. Its existence is a part of the legacy of Black storytelling, art, and advocacy for representation and justice. We publish content that highlights perspectives and knowledge of multicultural communities. We’ll sell picture books and book merch, offer free kids newsletters and provide make and take crafts to engage young people.
NIKITA AND NATHANIEL EDSON
Authors
ABOUT: Nikita and Nathaniel Edson are newly published authors, releasing the second book in their Broken Shells steampunk fantasy series this fall. Their unique take on co-writing has taken a tabletop campaign and restructured it into an intricate and engaging coming of age story.
FRIENDS OF THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY
Big Book Sale
ABOUT: Friends of the Library is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization made up of customers and advocates passionate about Columbus Metropolitan Library. Our mission is to build awareness and champion the library’s vision by operating amenities that enhance the library experience and fund advocacy initiatives. We sell used books online, at library locations, and at Big Book Sales. Proceeds from these sales support the library and grassroots advocacy efforts to ensure it will remain open to all for years to come.
GRAMERCY BOOKS
Book Store
ABOUT: Gramercy Books is a locally-owned, independently-minded neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. Our philosophy is simple: we’re about inspiration and discovery, community and adventure. We connect readers and writers with books they love, and host special events and ongoing visits by authors, poets and songwriters that provoke conversation.
KATHRYN HAUEISEN
Author
ABOUT: Author Kathryn’s fiction and non-fiction books are about people overcoming seemingly overwhelming challenges with the help of faith-based communities. Her newest book, Mary Brewster’s Love Life: Matriarch of the Mayflower chronicles events leading up to the famous Mayflower voyage.
LADY THISTLE, THE HORSE
Children’s Books
ABOUT: Series of children’s books based on the birth and early life of a thoroughbred horse, boarded equine veterinary input, “did you know” section, award winning artist illustrations, company goals to entertain and educate young horse enthusiasts, while encouraging reading. Named 2024 Farmtastic Book for the state of PA, western PA author and farm.
THE LAUGHING OGRE
Book Store
ABOUT: Current & collectible comic books – Easy to find. Hard to subdue! The Laughing Ogre has been the source for comics, graphic novels and comic collections in Central Ohio for nearly 30 years. Shop new and pre-owned comics for kids and adults, action figures and novelties and more.
THE LO’TUZ BRAND
Author
ABOUT: Born and raised in Columbus, Sade Harvison publishes illustrated books for African American children growing up in non-traditional families. Check out this authorpreneur’s books: The Power of A Friend, Young Black King and Young Black Queen.
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS
Publisher
ABOUT: Since 1957, The Ohio State University Press’ mission is to advance knowledge by disseminating scholarship in the humanities and the social sciences. The Press publishes the highest quality, peer-reviewed scholarly works through its books and journals program, promoting the work of academics throughout the world.
Specializing in scholarly, literary and cultural studies, our literary nonfiction list includes 2020 National Book Award finalist How to Make a Slave and Other Essays by Jerald Walker. We also publish regional interest books on the Trillium imprint and creative works under our Mad Creek imprint.
OHIO UNIVERSITY PRESS
Publisher
ABOUT: Ohio University Press is the oldest scholarly publisher in Ohio. Since its founding, the press (including its trade imprint, Swallow Press) has developed into a leading publisher of books about Africa, Appalachia, Southeast Asia and the Midwest.
From academic monographs to regional guides to internationally acclaimed literary works, Ohio University Press’ books have established it as an essential member of the scholarly, literary, and geographic communities.
PAPERPIE
Book Store
ABOUT: Book People are the best people! I’m a proud supporter of literacy, books for fun and all that PaperPie has to offer. We have fun, interactive, educational books of all topics as well as STEAM Smart Lab Toys available in 2,000+ titles for ages newborn to teen.
PEACHES PUBLISHERS, BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
Publisher/Author
ABOUT: Tresha Wilder, Owner/Author, published two children books. Hidden Asthma Triggers helps children understand their health, and S is for Sadie uses super S words to describe her such as super, splendid and special. Both children’s books are fun and very interactive for children of all ages.
PHOTONIC ASSOCIATES
Author
ABOUT: Claude Phipps humorously explains technology and science without equations in his book, No Wonder You Wonder. It’s richly illustrated, with over 270 photos, diagrams and hand-drawn cartoons in bite-sized chapters that allow readers to explore topics at their own pace.
PRESS 53
Publisher
ABOUT: Press 53 is a small literary publisher located in Winston-Salem, NC, that publishes poetry and short fiction collections. Founded in 2005, we have published more than 270 titles by authors in 37 states, including Jen McConnell of Columbus, OH.
Press 53 books have earned more than 100 awards including The Library of Virginia Award for Fiction, the International Book Award for Poetry, the Mississippi Institute of Arts & Letters Award for Fiction, and a PEN/Hemingway Award for First Fiction. We have published Poets Laureate from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and soon West Virginia.
PROLOGUE BOOKSHOP
Book Store
ABOUT: Welcome to Prologue Bookshop, your source for inspiration, imagination and community in the Short North Arts District. We value the power of reading and literature, and the connections that come with being a local bookstore in a global world. We’re proud to be local and independent, and we’re glad that you choose to shop local.
QUIPPER PRINTS
Publisher
ABOUT: Whether you’re looking to self-publish a book, launch a new product or service, or take your online presence to the next level, Quipper Prints is here to help. Our comprehensive range of services includes everything from editing and formatting to website design, social media management, and targeted advertising campaigns. We believe that everyone has a story to tell and a message to share, and we are committed to helping our clients do just that. With our state-of-the-art technology, innovative marketing strategies, and personalized support, you can trust us to help you achieve your dreams and make a lasting impact in your field.
READ FOR A CAUSE
Author
ABOUT: Read for a Cause, founded by Ohio resident Jill Boone, is built upon three pillars: promoting childhood literacy, encouraging charitable giving, and spreading light wherever possible. Each of Jill’s seven books is dedicated to a specific non-profit organization whose mission embodies the values her stories seek to inspire. All sales proceeds are then donated to these causes. In short, Read for a Cause tries to read more, do good, and give back one book at a time.
SONBURST BOOKS
Author/Publisher
ABOUT: Sonburst Books, LLC is the fulfillment of a dream… a dream of writing and self-publishing books based on inspirational and wholesome themes, no matter the genre. Books that tell stories of family, faith, struggle and overcoming, but also books that can make people smile. Real stories. Journey along with me, Vicki Risbeck, as we explore the intricacies and wonders of this thing we call life, through the gift of books!
S.R.D. HARRIS BOOKS
Author/Publisher
ABOUT: Mom & daughter duo who write and illustrate uplifting and empowering children’s books. All seven books feature diverse characters and have positive messages. Our mission is to inspire young people to love reading, feel empowered, and have more empathy for people who may be different than them. We encourage self-love, nutrition, dreaming BIG dreams, celebrating yourself, and making positive choices.
STORY GARDEN PUBLISHING
Publisher
ABOUT: Story Garden is a self-publishing cooperative concentrating on high quality fantasy and romance. We have multiple authors writing in shared world fiction under the supervision of our Creative Director, Jordan Riley Swan. Whether it’s clean and wholesome romance (The Unwedding Vow), 1920’s alternative history with dragons (The Dragoncoat Chronicles), or our high fantasy line (World of Heavenfall), you can expect consistency and long arching stories with shared characters and worlds.
UPON MY WORD
Author/Publisher
ABOUT: Upon My Word is an online catalog of the fiction, poetry and social commentary by author Tony Marconi. Tony is a retired teacher living in Ohio. He has published a book of experimental fiction, The Complete Works of The Literate Dead, and two novels, Toscotti’s War and Upon The Hush of Night. His poetry has appeared in the Cornfield Review, Grand Little Things, and the Voices Project, and he has had numerous short stories and poems published in various chapbooks and journals.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL OHIO
ABOUT: The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio (BBBSCO) is to Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCO helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities!
CITY YEAR
ABOUT: We are an Americorps program looking for young adults ages 18-26 to serve as student mentors and success coaches in systemically under resourced and underfunded schools across the United States. We focus on promoting academic as well as social emotional skills among students by providing them near peer mentors during the school day!
COSI
ABOUT: COSI is a nationally esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 58 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI – like science – is for everybody: all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
COTA
Cover your ride to the festival with COTA!
ABOUT: The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and Columbus Metropolitan Library are teaming up to get you to the Book Festival on July 15-16, where they’ll be bringing the magic of books and transportation to life. Sign up before July 11 to get a $5 Transit app credit to cover your ride! (Credit will be added to your account by July 15.)
Visit the COTA booth for hourly Storytime on board a coach on July 15 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and help color in COTA’s mural wall, too. You can also take advantage of COTA’s free onboard Wi-Fi to enjoy the Read & Ride Program, which allows you to read free e-books, magazines and more from the Columbus Metropolitan Library any time you’re on COTA.
CRISTO REY COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL
ABOUT: Cristo Rey Columbus High School (CRC) is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school with a Professional Work-Study Program empowering students of all faiths, in need of an affordable, high-quality education, to excel in college, in career, and in character.
FRANKLIN COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES
ABOUT: Franklin County Children Services is protecting children by strengthening families. Each year, FCCS helps more than 30,000 children and their families through prevention, protection, placement, and permanency programs. Franklin County Children services promotes literacy, diversity and inclusion as we protect children by strengthening families.
FRIENDS OF THE TOPIARY PARK
ABOUT: The Friends thoughtfully preserve and enhance the Topiary Park’s landscape and gardens and provide a place of beauty, learning, and tranquility for Columbus residents and visitors. Visit the Gatehouse for gifts and activities and to learn more about the Topiary Park.
At our festival exhibitor booth, we’ll bring examples of books by and about Veterans, share upcoming community programs, and offer hands-on activities that extend learning beyond the page!
OHIO HUMANITITES
ABOUT: Ohio Humanities is a nonprofit organization that shares stories to spark conversations and inspire ideas. We host programs and award grants that support storytellers statewide, from museums to journalists to documentary filmmakers.
OHIO OPTOMETRIC ASSN. – REALEYES
ABOUT: Realeyes was created by the Ohio Optometric Association through a grant from the Ohio Department of Health Save Our Sight Fund to educate students in Ohio about eye health and safety. Healthy vision is important for book lovers of all ages and Realeyes makes learning about eyes fun!
NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM
ABOUT: The National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) brings American history to life by connecting people of all ages to the powerful, personal stories and firsthand experiences of our nation’s heroes. We share Veteran-produced literature through community events like Poetry Nights at the NVMM. And each month we share book recommendations for young readers about topics related to the Veteran experience.
PNC GROW UP GREAT
ABOUT: Since 2004, PNC Grow Up Great® has helped prepare children from birth through age 5 for success in school and life. We’re supporting programs, resources and experiences that plant the seeds for a lifetime of opportunities.
UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OHIO
ABOUT: United Way supports a network of nonprofit partners working to ensure people in crisis can meet their basic needs, and children have equal opportunities to achieve student success. When you give to United Way, you can be confident you’ll make a significant impact on the greatest needs in central Ohio.
ADULT LITERACY OHIO
ABOUT: Empowering adults with developmental disabilities through literacy. Connecting adults with developmental disabilities to licensed educators and speech-language therapists who offer 1:1 learning support for improving reading, writing, and communication skills.
FRANKLIN COUNTY LIBRARIES
ABOUT: Visit staff from several Franklin County libraries! Check out info and events from Bexley Public Library, Southwest Public Libraries, Upper Arlington Public Library and Westerville Public Library.
GATEKEEPER PRESS
Literary Service Provider
ABOUT: Gatekeeper Press is a self-publishing service provider with the largest distribution network in the industry. Authors retain 100% rights, earn 100% proceeds, have 100% control, and work one-on-one with their own Author Manager. Services include editing, proofreading, cover design, paperback, hardcover, and eBook design and distribution, illustrations, graphic creation, and on demand printing/drop shipping with no minimum quantity requirements.
INSPIRING JREAMS PUBLISHING
Publishing Service
ABOUT: Inspiring Jreams Publishing helps make authors’ Jreams come true by assisting them with their publishing journey by offering book coaching and resources. We specialize in children’s books hoping to inspire the next generation.
THE JOURNAL
Publication
ABOUT: The Journal is the literary magazine published by Ohio State’s MFA creative writing program since 1973. Our goal is to publish urgent poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art from across the country. We hope to celebrate the Columbus literary community by publishing local authors and giving a platform to Ohio voices.
OHIOANA LIBRARY
ABOUT: Founded in 1929 and dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating Ohio literature, the Library’s holdings include more than 45,000 books by or about Ohioans; 10,000 pieces of sheet music; personal papers of Ohio authors and artists; and scrapbooks created by Ohio civic and cultural organizations. Ohioana Library hosts events including the annual Ohioana Book Festival and the Book Awards.
OHIO FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
ABOUT: The Ohio Federation of Teachers is a statewide union of teachers and education workers. We partner with First Book to provide free books for Ohio students and children to spark a lifelong love of reading. Visit our festival exhibit booth for free books for children!
OHIO HORROR WRITERS ASSOCIATION
ABOUT: Horror Writers Association, an international organization created to support the professional development and growth of writers, artists, editors, and publishers working in the genre. The Ohio Chapter is home to horror, supernatural, weird and dark fiction and nonfiction produced by residents of the great state of Ohio.
OHIO WRITERS ASSOCIATION
ABOUT: The Ohio Writers’ Association supports professional writers and emerging authors. We currently offer writers’ workshops and publishing opportunities, and member meetings. We offer memberships, workshops, and we will have copies of our anthologies for sale at our festival booth. Members of the Ohio Writers’ Association receive access to our online community and resources, exclusive publishing opportunities, and access to our workshops, and events.
WRITTEN GOLD PUBLICATION
Book Coach/Marketing
ABOUT: Let’s Start Your Publishing Journey. Services include fiction ghosting writing, fiction book coaching and self- publishing assistance for aspiring authors. We exclusively sell our merchandise like, candles, mugs, journals and pens at our vending events.
Columbus Metropolitan Library
96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 | 614-645-2275
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