Meet the Exhibitors

BIBLIOPHILE CANDLE CO.
ABOUT: The Bibliophile Candle Co. marries the love for luxurious candles and timeless novels to spark whimsy in your every day life and evoke the scents of your favorite stories. Experience Christmas at Hogwarts. Enjoy a morning in the Shire. Take a stroll with Mr. Darcy. Visit Winterfell and King’s Landing. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Luke’s Diner.

BLACKBIRD BOOK & PAGE
ABOUT: Blackbird Book & Page specializes in upcycling discarded books into art! Choose from 100+ ready-to-frame designs made locally on unique vintage-paper backgrounds. Quotes and original imagery are inspired by favorite writers, artists, adventurers, and thinkers. Don’t forget to pick up your free bookmark from the Blackbird sisters, Beth and Joanna!

BONA FIDE BOOKWORM
ABOUT: Bona Fide Bookworm is a woman-owned shop that sells book-themed enamel pins, stickers, keychains, bookmarks, and more adorable bookish accessories for readers. You’ll find general book-themed items here as well as more specialized offerings—like our bestselling “Purrfect Books” and “Ultimutt Books” book pun designs for cat and dog lovers!

BOOKISH GOODS
ABOUT: The Bookish Goods is a one-stop shop for book lovers. From bookish apparel and literary-inspired accessories to custom-made products like the Bookish Belt Bag and Blanket, they have everything you need to show your love for reading, no matter the genre.

BOOKS BY BRITTON
ABOUT: Customized, handmade miniatures and mini-bookshelves for bookworms, Broadway lovers, and the pop-culture obsessed.

CLEVERLAND PUZZLE DESIGN
ABOUT: Cleverland Puzzle Design is known for distinctive handwritten and illustrated word games and logic puzzles. Their puzzle books are designed, illustrated, and printed in Cleveland and feature local themes, from celebrating Ohio’s ice cream culture to immortalizing the state’s contribution to aviation and aerospace.

COBENICK STUDIOS
ABOUT: Preserving and restoring any kind of book is CS Book Art’s mission. We make books, we collect books, and are passionate about saving books. We employ numerous techniques and skills to preserve and repair books. We also educate on the proper maintenance of a book to help keep it looking good for generations to come!

COMIC LETTER DUDE
ABOUT: Comic Letter Dude is a shop specializing in unique comic book inspired creations. You’ll find a colorful and action-packed selection of handmade Marvel and DC superhero themed gifts, home décor and items perfect for gifts and to keep.

DARK DELIGHTS BOOTIQUE
ABOUT: Dark Delights makes bookish merch including stickers, book cart magnets, cups, wax melts and bookmarks. Everything is made by hand and made with lots of love for fellow readers.

DRAGON’S BOOK HOARD
ABOUT: Bring your favorite fantasy worlds to life through the sense of smell. This LGBTQ+, woman, and Indigenous-owned business specializes in wooden wick soy candles and wax melts. Themes and inspiration include licensed SJM merch, D&D, LOTR, and much more in the fantasy genre!

ERIN ALON BRAIN – DFMI DESIGNS
ABOUT: Erin Alon Brain is a graphic designer and children’s book author and illustrator of both ‘Fun for Anyone!’ and ‘Periwinkle and the Absolutely Dizzy-Dazzling Day!’ Erin’s mixed media artwork was featured on WOSU’s Broad & High and she exhibited at the 2023 Ohioana Book Festival.

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON (Sunday only)
ABOUT: HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON is an upcoming family film based on the book by Crockett Johnson. The movie will be released in theaters on August 2.

HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT: Highlights is the trusted brand that believes children are the world’s most important people. Our flagship magazine, Highlights, is the #1 most-read children’s magazine in the country. Our award-winning magazines, bestselling story and puzzle books, and groundbreaking education books deliver on the Highlights promise of helping children become their best selves through exceptional, high-quality products for children.

IGLOO LETTERPRESS
ABOUT: Igloo Letterpress is a family-owned letterpress and bookbinding studio located in Worthington. Colorful cards, art prints and handmade journals feature the designs of popular Columbus writers and artists.

JW STICKER SHOP
ABOUT: JWStickerShop is your one-stop destination for all things creative! We offer a wide range of products including bookmarks, waterproof stickers, keychains, pins, magnets and more. All designs are meticulously hand-drawn.

LAB PARTNERS
ABOUT: Experimentation and Exploration inspires 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.

LIKELY STOR(E)Y
ABOUT: A fun and cheeky take on retail therapy.  Humor and quality go hand in hand when you shop fpr bookish merch at Likely Stor(e)y because what is life without a bit of whimsy?

LILY LUE DESIGNS
ABOUT: Lily Lue Designs creates a variety of items made using vintage books, sheet music and comic books. From home decor to jewelry, all products are made using pages from childhood classics and adult favorites.

LUSTCRAFT
ABOUT: Lustcraft is a small business specializing in romantic literature and accessories, including bookmarks, totes, temporary tattoos and greeting cards. The shop strives to represent alternative lifestyles with intention and positivity.

MIDNIGHT READERS SHOP
ABOUT: Midnight Readers Shop is a small, family-run business. Their hope is to help others find joy in reading and to connect them with books they might not have tried on their own! They are giving used and overstock books a chance to be loved in their Blind Date with a Book packages. They make many kinds of bookmarks including magnetic and paper styles and sell a custom designed Reading Journal!

MOONLACEBYYOLY
ABOUT: MoonlaceByYoly is a small shop from Cleveland that sells a large variety of bookish inspired merchandise, fandom clothing and décor and book accessories. Everything is handmade so you can be sure to get beautiful one of a kind items. We have items for every kind of reader and genres including YA, adult, romance, fantasy or anything in between.

PAGE-TURNER BATH & BODY
ABOUT: Page-Turner Bath & Body crafts unique, literary-inspired bath and body products. Blending the art of reading with self-care, their range includes exquisitely scented bath bombs, soaps, and lotions, each echoing themes from beloved books. It’s a perfect fusion for those who cherish both literature and luxurious relaxation.

PPC DESIGNS
ABOUT: PPC Designs is a women owned small business creating custom shirts, cups and tote bags. We pride ourselves on being size inclusive!

REGAN NOELLE SMITH
ABOUT: Regan Noelle Smith is an author, speaker, and poet. It is her mission to inspire and empower women to self-reflect, find healing, and grow through poetry. Her poetry-centered books, prints and plants bring these intentions into your everyday life through thoughtful design.

SALEM JANE CREATIONS
ABOUT: Salem Jane Creations sells the works! We create handmade book inspired cups, glasses and accessories.

SAVVY BOOK COLLECTIVE
ABOUT: Savvy Book Collective is where you’ll find bookish accessories and stationary for reading in style.

SIX ORCHIDS BOUTIQUE
ABOUT: Six Orchids Boutique offers a unique selection of bookish gifts. From ‘Blind Date’ books to bookmarks and adorable drinkware fit for any style. 

SOUTHERN GIRL
ABOUT: Southern Girl Books give new life to well-loved children’s books by upcycling them into wall art. Southern Girl Books seeks to find new homes for books every day!

STUDIO 42 DESIGNS
ABOUT: Studio 42 Designs is the brainchild of Alan Klem and his partner Nicole. Combining their love of literature with their skills as leatherworkers S42D aims to provide unique, handcrafted leather covered novels and gaming accessories for every brand of nerd. Based in Toledo, Ohio we are full-time artists and nerds.

UPCYCLE BOOKCYCLE
ABOUT: Upcycle Bookcycle celebrates the love of reading by rescuing books and turning their pages into lasting keepsakes. Greeting cards and quilled ornaments each feature a recycled book page.

UPCYCLING LIBRARIAN
ABOUT: Upcycling Librarian is a unique space merging love for books with eco-consciousness. Our mission is to give vintage books a second life, elevating them into crafted masterpieces.

XTINA’S CRAFT CORNER
ABOUT: Xtina’s Craft Corner, where bookish dreams come to life! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of whimsical bookish decor. From charming library signs to bookish street signs, acrylic keychains, bookends, and bookmarks, Xtina’s Craft Corner has it all. Each piece is lovingly crafted to add a touch of literary magic to your space.

ACTION FICTION
ABOUT: Action Fiction is a local group of three game designers and book publishers whose flagship product, Monsters of Murka, is a high-fantasy parody of American culture that is also entirely playable as a dungeons and dragons campaign setting. 

BARBARA GREGORICH
ABOUT: Ohio native Barbara Gregorich (now living in Chicago) writes about baseball, mysteries, and, with her new novel “Exit Velocity,” science fiction. Her Ohio topics include baseball player and announcer Jack Graney and his bull terrier Larry, and Earl Derr Biggers, creator of the Charlie Chan novels.

THE BOOK LOFT
ABOUT: The Book Loft of German Village is one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores. The pre-Civil War era buildings are now 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
ABOUT: Bookspace has been selling quality new and used literature to Columbus readers for nearly a decade. In 2022, Bookspace moved into a physical space in Clintonville. The shop specializes in books that amplify voices of the marginalized: folks who are queer, trans, disabled, BIPOC—books for change. 

BPRO EDITORIAL
ABOUT: BPRO Editorial was established with the primary mission of assisting aspiring authors in realizing their ambitions of writing and publishing their own books. We provide an array of professional services, including literary development guidance, editorial correction, comprehensive training for independent authors, and support throughout the publication process.

CHERANN WRIGHT
ABOUT: CherAnn Wright is a psychological thriller author from Northern Kentucky. Her first book, Where Secrets Stay, released in 2023. Her second novel, The Truth is a Lie, is set to release June 29, 2024. 

COLUMBUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ABOUT: The Columbus Historical Society collects, archives, teaches and exhibits Columbus History. Purchase copies of our 2023 and 2024 journals of Columbus History, with in-depth detail and little-known facts of major Columbus events over the last 200 years! The articles are by some of the top local historians.

COVER TO COVER CHILDREN’S BOOKS
ABOUT: Cover to Cover has shared their passion for reading with children, parents, teachers and librarians since 1980. The independent bookstore carries the very best of classic and new literature for young readers—from toddler books, picture books, easy readers, middle grade and young adult.

DANA FRAEDRICH, STEAMPUNK FANTASY AUTHOR
ABOUT: At Dana’s booth, you’ll find her steampunk book series, of course, but also handmade scented candles based on her characters, handmade polyhedral dice, crocheted goods, jewelry and more.

DAVID SELCER’S NOVELS
ABOUT: David Selcer writes a mystery series which includes Closure, showing PTSD’s effects on a love affair. In the historical fiction genre, his writings include the award-winning Lincoln’s Hat, The Tea Movement’s Anger, Ultimate Sacrifices and The Old Stories, about Ukrainian immigration to America. 

DAYDREAMERS PRESS
ABOUT: Daydreamers Press is a children’s book publisher and creative consulting agency.

Our dream is for all people to see inspiring and diverse reflections of joy, justice, and love in books and visual media, and in their school, family, and community lives.

In addition to publishing books through the Daydreamers Press imprint, we help writers and organizations create books and literature for children.

EPIPHANY HILL ENTERPRISES
ABOUT: Epiphany Hill Enterprises provides outstanding children’s literature that compels them to learn, act, and grow. Putting a smile on a child’s face is a prize that compares to very little else in the world. That’s what we achieve through our literature so children can become lifelong readers.

E.W. FARNSWORTH
ABOUT: Ohio-based writer E. W. Farnsworth is widely published online and in print. Farnsworth writes in many genres and cross-genres, notably science fiction, mysteries, westerns, romances, action/adventure tales and cosmic horror.

FIELDMOUSE PRESS
ABOUT: Fieldmouse Press is a nonprofit publisher of comics and literature, based in Grass Valley, California. Founded in 2019, Fieldmouse Press is committed to expanding the reach and appreciation of the comics arts.

FRANKIE INGRAM
ABOUT: Frankie Ingram is a independent author who specializes in easy to read scifi adventure novels appropriate for all ages. Frankie is a BIPOC author who writes diverse characters in a hopeful future that we can all look forward to.

FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC TO THE NEW RIVER
ABOUT: Explore a book of love letters written during World War II from a Navy midshipman, John Campbell, aboard the U.S.S. Taussig to a young Delphia in West Virgina. Their letter-writing campaign became a great love story in 1943 and is memorialized in print by their children.

GRAMERCY BOOKS
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.

HOW WISE THEN BOOKS
ABOUT: Author Kathryn Haueisen of How Wise Then writes stories about good people making great contributions to society. Her most current work includes historical fictions about the Mayflower voyage, including encounters between the English settlers and the Native Americans who rescued them from starvation.

JAYNE RYLON
ABOUT: Jayne Rylon is a bestselling author who tells stories of love in every variation. She is recognized as the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Indie Erotic Romance. If “why choose”, LGBTQ+ romances are your thing, make sure to check her out!

J.P. MITCHELL
ABOUT: J.P. Mitchell is a local author, educator, and speaker whose mission is to help you link vision to opportunity through the power of words. J.P.’s debut picture book, Sweet Fire, is a beautiful read-aloud named on the Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Books of 2023 list. Visit the J.P. Mitchell tent to engage in interactive content, hear the Sweet Fire song and learn why we need YOUR fire to light up the world!

LADY THISTLE THE HORSE
ABOUT: A delightful children’s book series based on the true life of a baby horse, Lady Thistle.  The first story opens with the arrival of a retired racehorse to Waterdam Farm and continues through three additional books as Lady Thisle grows and explores farm life. 

LATE NOVEMBER BOOKS
ABOUT: Late November Books publishes quality books for the whole family. Genres include historical fiction, young adult, fantasy, new adult and children’s fiction. Late November also publishes a variety of English Language Arts workbooks through Late November Learning Tree to help students become better writers.

LAUGHING OGRE
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.

LIBBY
ABOUT: Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more from your local library for free! Libby is the library reading app by OverDrive, loved by millions of readers worldwide!

LITTLE GAY BOOKSTORE
ABOUT: Little Gay Bookstore is a local nonprofit that provides queer literature to the city of Columbus. They offer a curated collection of empowering and inclusive literature for all, celebrating diverse voices and fostering a welcoming environment.

MANTA PRESS
ABOUT: Manta Press is an independent publisher of adult and young adult speculative fiction by independent-minded authors specializing in horror, sci-fi, fantasy and mystery/thrillers.

MICHEAL ANDERSON
ABOUT: Micheal Anderson is the author of the STEM focused, Zoey Lyndon chapter book series. She understands the value of representation in children’s books and believes reading should never be considered a luxury. Micheal knows that kid’s can’t be what they don’t see, which is why she writes relatable stories told in an authentic voice.

NIKITA AND NATHANIEL EDSON
ABOUT: Nikita and Nathaniel Edson are writers of an epic fantasy series: ‘The Ashling Saga.’ The first two novels of the hefty six book series that follows the story of Liora, an exiled princess bent on saving her kingdom, are in out now, with book three set to release in October 2024. 

NORTH STAR EDITIONS
ABOUT: North Star Editions is a Minnesota-based publishing company dedicated to guiding readers toward a lifetime love of reading. NSE offers fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults that inspires, informs, and entertains.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS
ABOUT: For decades, The Ohio State University Press has published award-winning literary and regional-interest titles, including a National Book Award finalist. Its Mad Creek imprint publishes moving and important literary and graphic works from diverse voices; under Trillium, it publishes regional histories, autobiographies, and other books that bring Ohio and the Midwest to the world.

OHIO UNIVERSITY PRESS
ABOUT: Ohio University Press is the oldest scholarly publisher in the state. From academic monographs to regional guides to internationally acclaimed literary works, its books have established the press as an essential member of its many communities: scholarly, literary, and geographic.

BOOTH EVENTS:

• Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m.—Meet the photographers and writer of This Place of Silence: Ohio’s Cemeteries and Burial Grounds for the new book’s Columbus debut.
• Saturday, July 13 at 2:30 p.m. —Book signing with Andy Hayes Mystery author Andrew Welsh-Huggins. It’s the 10^th anniversary of this Columbus-based mystery series.

ONCE UPON A DANCE
ABOUT: Spark your child’s imagination and creativity! Once Upon a Dance combines whimsical stories with movement, breath, and connection to introduce children to the world of StoryMoving. 

PAPERPIE
ABOUT: Welcome to the new PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More). Explore interactive learning books for babies up to teens and SmartLab toys which are educational and fun.

PHOEBE RAVENCRAFT
ABOUT: Phoebe Ravencraft is a Columbus-based transfemme nonbinary author of queer fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction. She was raised on a steady diet of comics, D&D, Broadway musicals, and Star Trek. Also an award-winning game designer, Mx. Ravencraft is passionate about the Cincinnati Bengals, queer representation, and equal rights for everyone. 

PROLOGUE BOOKSHOP
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.

READ FOR A CAUSE
ABOUT: Read for a Cause promotes childhood literacy and charitable giving. Each of our books is dedicated to a deserving non-profit organization whose mission embodies the values our books seek to inspire. At the end of the year, we donate all of our profits back to these organizations. We try to read more and do good, one book at a time.

RHAPSODY PRESS BOOKS
ABOUT: Rhapsody Press Books is an independent publisher specializing in fiction, particularly speculative fiction. Readers and new authors are invited to stop by.

SAFFRON BOOKS
ABOUT: The mission of Saffron Books is to bring the teachings of Vedic scholars to a wider audience, focusing on the Eastern wisdom that encompasses meditation, yoga, and using spiritual knowledge to alleviate anxiety and stress. With depression and anxiety more prevalent than ever before, scientists and psychologists are turning towards ancient practices such as these for a solution.

SAINT REST PUBLICATIONS
ABOUT: Saint Rest Publications creates media (books, prints and t-shirts) that promote awareness and the development of an authentic self.

SEASON JOURNALS
ABOUT: Season Journals is a Columbus-based, women-owned brand that creates modern keepsake journals for life’s seasons. Their mission is to help people invest in their well-being, foster their relationships, and document their stories through journaling. Season’s current journal collection includes the Engagement Journal, Marriage Journal and Pregnancy Journal.

SPUD PUBLISHING INC.
ABOUT: Spud Publishing Inc. is a Canadian indie publishing house established in 2023 between an animator, a background artist, a former journalist and some big dreams. We are promoting our first ever publication, Debut.

S.R.D. HARRIS BOOKS
ABOUT: Author S.R.D. Harris writes and publishes uplifting and empowering children’s books featuring diverse characters. She and her co-author daughter, Camryn Brooke, are on a mission to inspire more love, empathy, kindness and community through their positive stories! 

STEAMY LIT
ABOUT: The Steam Box is a book subscription service featuring romance books written by women of color and LGBTQ+ authors paired with specially curated items that celebrate self-love & embrace your sexuality.

STEVEN W. SIMON
ABOUT: Steven W. Simon is an American writer, and author of the new novella, Ava in Lost Pines. His books focus on outsiders, outcasts, and exposing American truths through fiction. Steven lives and works out of his home near Chicago.

STORY GARDEN PUBLISHING
ABOUT: An author co-op banding together to publish unique and interesting titles! With our combined brainpower, our “gardeners” hope to cultivate memorable story worlds across numerous genres, from romantic comedies to urban fantasy.

STORYLINE BOOKSHOP
ABOUT: Storyline Bookshop is a new independent, woman-owned, neighborhood bookshop located in the Tremont Center in Upper Arlington. We offer new books for all ages, curated book collections, cozy vibes, and events for book lovers.

TWIN RIVERS PRESS
ABOUT: A collection of books by four authors – Kimberly Readnour, Michelle Bryan, Melissa A. Craven and M. Lynn. Book genres include contemporary romance, fantasy romance and science fiction.

TWO DOLLAR RADIO
ABOUT: Two Dollar Radio is a family-run book publisher of bold literary fiction and non-fiction based on the South Side of Columbus. Their books received the Young Lions Fiction Award from the New York Public Library, distinctions from National Book Foundation, finalists for prizes from PEN America, Los Angeles Times and Lambda Literary.

CHRIS UNDERWOOD
ABOUT: Chris Underwood’s latest book, The Cold Winter: Battle on the Ohio River, has an element of historical fiction, along with dystopian future. In his research for the book, Chris volunteered with a historical aviation group, and spent time aboard the LST-325, currently docked on the Ohio River in Evansville, Indiana.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI PRESS
ABOUT: The University of Cincinnati Press is committed to publishing leading scholarship accessibly to stimulate dialog between the scholars, public intellectuals, and practitioners. The Press publishes a diverse array of regional books on Ohio and books of national and global impact in social justice.

UPON MY WORD
ABOUT: Upon My Word is an online catalog of the fiction, poetry and social commentary by author Tony Marconi, 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. 

WAREHOUSE H
ABOUT: Dominic Guglielmi is widely considered one of the most prolific and knowledgeable collectors of Blanton’s bourbon. In his book, Warehouse H, Guglielmi pays homage to Blanton’s, capturing the story of the brand as it has never been told before, and chronicling all things Blanton’s from its birth to the present day.

WAY TO BATTLE
ABOUT: Through triumphs and tragedies, one family’s battle with childhood cancer now encourages others to find healing, hope, and joy in their own battles. Kristin S. Martin’s book, Through the Battle, chronicles their journey, unveiling the struggles they faced and the mission that was birthed in the midst, Way to Battle.

ADULT LITERACY OHIO & LEARNING AID OHIO
ABOUT: Adult Literacy Ohio is a self-directed, literacy focused program designed to meet adult learners where they are at to develop increased confidence and literacy skills to enhance community navigation, quality of life, and workforce development. Learning Aid Ohio provides students learning on IEPs funding for in-person, supplemental learning support.

THE ALDUS SOCIETY
ABOUT: The Aldus Society is Central Ohio’s connection for book lovers, hosting free literary events and author talks each month. Open to readers, book collectors, writers and anyone who loves the printed word.

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.” Our vision is that all youth reach their full potential.

BUCKEYE INTERACTIVE
ABOUT: We’re partnering with the Columbus Book Festival to offer attendees a fun-filled Discovery Quest using Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology! Search for NFC tags and tap them using your smart device to reveal clues that guide you to your next destination!

Buckeye Innovation is a software engineering and design agency with a passion for creating dynamic digital experiences. We’re the technology innovation partner you need to help bring your ideas to life! Through unparalleled access to exceptional web engineering and design, and content strategy, we amplify the impact innovators have on our world.

CENTER FOR HUMANKINDNESS
ABOUT: The Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation is on a mission to cultivate a culture of kindness. Working alongside community partners and residents, its focus is on expanding and strengthening social connections throughout our region.

CENTRAL OHIO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (COTA)
ABOUT: The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has been the regional public transit provider for Greater Columbus and Central Ohio for 50 years. COTA links our region to opportunity, covering over 500 square miles of service area and providing more than 11 million trips each year. Our Mission: To provide solutions that connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork. Our Vision: To move every life forward.

CITY YEAR COLUMBUS
ABOUT: City Year, an AmeriCorps program, sends diverse teams of Student Success Coaches provide support to students, classrooms and the whole school, helping to ensure that students in systematically under-resourced schools receive a high-quality education that prepares them with the skills and mindset to thrive and contribute to their community.

COLUMBUS CHILDREN’S THEATRE
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!

COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY FOUNDATION
ABOUT: The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is building resources for the sole purpose of advancing the mission of Columbus Metropolitan Library for generations to come.

Every day, Columbus Metropolitan Library provides vital services to the central Ohio community, from sparking conversations about social justice to helping our youngest readers build a foundation for lifelong learning. Supporting the Foundation ensures the Columbus Metropolitan Library is able to offer programs and services free to all.

COLUMBUS RECREATION & PARKS
ABOUT: Columbus Recreation and Parks has more than 400 parks on 13,500+ acres, 28 community centers, five athletic complexes, six golf courses, 230 miles of regional trails, six spraygrounds and interactive fountains, eight outdoor pools and an indoor aquatics center, 19 nature preserves, three reservoirs, five dog parks, a skate park and a range of programs for toddlers to seniors.

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.

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.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBUS
ABOUT:  Experience Columbus’ vision is to be the leading force in creating and revealing the best of the Columbus experience to the world. We are supported by more than 900 partners who invest in the efforts of Experience Columbus and help make Greater Columbus an appealing destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, convention delegates, and residents.

FAITH & FELLOWSHIP BOOK FESTIVAL
ABOUT: The Faith & Fellowship Book Festival celebrates the rich tradition of Christian literature and invites readers to connect with authors shaping the genre today. Our online festival is free and accessible with an internet connection. Expect insightful panel discussions, inspirational messages from speakers, and the opportunity to meet favorite authors.

FRANKLIN COUNTY LIBRARIES
ABOUT: Visit staff from several Franklin County libraries! Check out library info and events, programs and services to keep you connected, informed and entertained.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
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.

FRIENDS OF TOPIARY PARK        
ABOUT: The Topiary Park is the site of the only topiary garden in existence based on a work of art. Friends of Topiary Park instructs the public in the art of topiary sculpture and maintains such sculptures for the passive use and enjoyment of the public, all in coordination and cooperation with the City of Columbus.

GIGI’S
ABOUT: Gigi’s is a regional dog care nonprofit with a full-spectrum approach to getting homeless dogs from rural communities home faster and healthier. We provide dogs in shelters and rescues access to quality housing, veterinary, behavior, and adoption services; all from our state-of-the-art campus in Columbus.

Read to the Rescues on Carnegie Plaza

HUMANA HEALTHY HORIZONS
ABOUT: Humana Healthy Horizons is a new Medicaid plan offered by the state of Ohio. It is health insurance for individuals with no or low income. We offer an abundance of resources and value-added benefits to support total wellbeing for members and their families.

NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB
ABOUT: Founded in 2002, the Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) is a book club program for adults with disabilities, regardless of reading ability. Individual clubs meet weekly for one hour in libraries, bookstores, and cafés throughout Franklin County. NCBC members choose the books they read, and volunteers help guide meetings.

OHIO HISTORY CONNECTION
ABOUT: The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history.

OHIO HUMANITIES
ABOUT: Ohio Humanities shares stories that spark conversations and inspire ideas. As the state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we serve the public by providing grants and fostering programs that support public humanities programming statewide from museums and historical societies to documentary filmmakers and independent journalists.

OHIO HORROR WRITERS ASSOCIATION
ABOUT: We are an organization of authors specializing in the horror genre from around Ohio, and a chapter of the international Horror Writers Association. We sell our scary stories to readers and provide support to our members.

OHIO WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION 
ABOUT: The Ohio Writers’ Association supports professional writers and emerging authors. Members of the Ohio Writers’ Association receive access to our online community and resources, exclusive publishing opportunities, and access to our workshops, and events. We currently offer writers’ workshops and publishing opportunities, with more planned for the future. We also work diligently to support our membership by promoting the great work of emerging Ohio authors.

OHIO’S 529, COLLEGEADVANTAGE
ABOUT: Since 1989, Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, has been helping Ohio families save for education and career training after high school. Ohio’s 529 Plan is the tax-advantaged savings plan which can be used at two or four year colleges and universities, technical or trade school, certificate programs and apprenticeship programs in Ohio and nationwide.

PARACLETE POST
ABOUT: Paraclete Post is a free program that curates encouraging, diverse, and inclusive faith libraries for families by sending high-quality picture books that foster faith-building directly to households. Paraclete Post invites children and their families through story, art, and play to engage in conversation about faith and life.

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.

THURBER HOUSE
ABOUT: Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts center, James Thurber museum, historic landmark, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages. Programs include author events with nationally known and local authors, writing workshops for children and adults, The Thurber Prize for American Humor, writer residencies, and more.

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.

WOSU
ABOUT: WOSU Public Media is committed to bringing educational programming to families across Central Ohio. PBS KIDS programming is available on our over-the-air and cable channels. You can also watch the WOSU Kids live stream online anytime!