The Decatur Book Festival (DBF) is set to make a triumphant return to Atlanta on October 4 and 5, featuring appearances from notable figures such as Stacey Abrams and Joyce Carol Oates. Founded in 2005, the festival has become an annual celebration of literature, aimed at sparking a love for reading and fostering community engagement. Showcasing both established authors and emerging voices, the festival serves as a beacon of literary excellence, enriching the minds and souls of attendees.
After a brief hiatus in 2023, the DBF is back with a lineup of live author Q&As, book signings, and a variety of activities, entertainment, and exhibitors spread across venues in Decatur. Participating booksellers include A Cappella Books, Brave and Kind Bookshop, Charis Books and More, Eagle Eye Books, and Little Shop of Stories, offering attendees a diverse selection of literary works to explore.
One of the highlights of the festival will be a keynote conversation between Joyce Carol Oates and Joe Barry Carroll, a former NBA All-Star and longtime supporter of the DBF. This event is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 4 at 7pm on the DeKalb County stage in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Decatur. Additionally, Stacey Abrams will kick off Saturday’s events as the „Kidnote“ speaker, presenting the third installment of her children’s book series, Stacey Speaks Up.
Abrams, a bestselling author and voting rights activist, expressed her excitement for the festival, stating, „The Decatur Book Festival has always been a vibrant autumn event that ushers in great stories and welcomes the community to join in the bounty. I look forward to sharing my new children’s book, Stacey Speaks Up, with families and to lifting up the joy of reading.“
As a cherished civic event that has been a staple for nearly two decades, the return of the DBF promises a weekend filled with community, connection, and creative inspiration. Alison Weissinger, volunteer president of the festival board and director of the DeKalb County Public Library, highlighted the hard work put in by board members to bring the festival back, expressing excitement for the support from the community and key stakeholders.
The full lineup and program schedule for the 2024 festival are set to be unveiled later this month, featuring over 100 authors, poets, student emerging writers, journalists, artists, and thought leaders. For more information and updates on the festival, interested individuals can visit the official website at decaturbookfestival.com. With a diverse array of literary talents and engaging activities planned, the Decatur Book Festival promises to be a must-attend event for book lovers and community members alike.