Heartland Book Festival

Welcome to Kansas City’s premiere literary event. For the second year, the Kansas City Public Library, Missouri Humanities, and the Missouri Center for the Book are proud to present the Heartland Book Festival. We are thrilled that you’ve joined us to celebrate the people and ideas that shape not only the books you love but society itself. By connecting with each other and today’s visiting authors, you strengthen the fiber of the community at a time when such strength is critical. This year’s festival offers a range of exciting activities for all ages. Discover panel discussions, presentations, vendors, and other activities throughout the building, and learn what else the Library has to offer year-round. Festival highlights include: • #1 New York Times bestselling author Stacey Abrams speaks to PBS’ resident librarian and TikTok star Mychal Threets about the importance of libraries; she also hosts a special storytime for kids with her newest children’s book, Stacey Speaks Up. • Celebrated authors Tommy Orange (Wandering Stars) and Deborah Taffa (Whiskey Tender) share their perspectives on the Native American experience as well as stories of identity, addiction, family, and survival. • Style reporter Sarah Chapelle, creator of the popular Instagram account @taylorswiftstyled, discusses her new book Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras. • Representatives from Kansas City area independent bookstores BLK & BRWN, Rainy Day Books, Bliss Books and Wine, and Seven Stories speak about service to the literary community. • Former Hallmark artist Pedro Martín talks to kids about his Newbery award-winning graphic memoir Mexikid. Later in the day, he leads a cartoon and zine workshop for all ages. • Library employees and graduate students in the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s MFA Program in Creative Writing lead a variety of writing workshops. For more information, and to reserve free tickets for each event, go to www.heartlandbookfest.org.