2005 Illinois Authors Book Fair

2005 ILLINOIS AUTHORS LITERARY WEEKEND CELEBRATION

Look for the next Illinois Authors Book Fair to take place in the fall of 2006. Additional information will be coming soon.

A large and enthusiastic crowd descended on the State Library March 5th for the ninth Illinois Authors Book Fair. The theme of this year's Book Fair was "Celebrating Our Diverse Literary Heritage." More than 30 talented authors representing a variety of genres took part this year. All of the participating authors autographed their books and personally met with book lovers. The authors presented numerous workshops and panel discussions, and patrons browsed and bought books at an onsite bookstore.

A special children's area included storytellers, crafts, clowns, free books, posters and stickers and free cookies. Kids were able to have their photo taken with popular cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants. Tom Joyce of Home and Garden Television's "The Appraisal Fair" appraised rare and old books, and acclaimed storyteller Linda Gorham gave three performances.

On Friday evening March 4th, a fundraising dinner honoring participating Book Fair authors was held in the atrium of the State Library. Proceeds from the dinner are used to expand the Library's collection of first edition works by Illinois authors and to support the work of the Illinois Center for the Book, which promotes reading and celebrates Illinois' rich literary heritage. Participants heard speeches by featured author Alex Kotlowitz (the acclaimed best selling book There Are No Children Here) and Deloris Jordan, author and mother of former Chicago Bulls basketball legend Michael Jordan.

Special thanks to our event sponsors: LaSalle Bank, the Chicago Tribune Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Humanities Council. Table Sponsors were: Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois; Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes PC; Illinois League of Financial Institutions; Mayor Tim Davlin, City of Springfield and WSEC TV. The Illinois Authors Book Fair is a joint venture of the Illinois Center for the Book and the Illinois State Library.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Book Fair an overwhelming success.