The Kansas Book Festival will hold its fifth annual festival from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Capitol building. The festival is a family-friendly event focused on enforcing the importance of reading and will feature current authors and books.

 “By bringing authors together with the people of Kansas, we’re able to help develop a bond and a love for reading in people of all ages,” said First Lady Mary Brownback. This year’s authors are some of the best we’ve had and I am looking forward to hearing them present.”

 Headlining this year’s event will be mystery novelist Sara Paretsky (Brush Back). Paretsky was raised in Kansas and is a University of Kansas alumna. She is credited with transforming the role and image of women in crime novels. She currently resides in Chicago.

More than 30 authors are set to speak, including James Beard Foundation winner, restaurant owners and cookbook authors Colby and Megan Garrelts (Made in America), Nancy Geise (Auschwitz #34207), former Royals scout Art Stewart (The Art of Scouting) and children’s authors Refe and Susan Tuma (What the Dinosaurs did Last Night). Along with author presentations, there will also be additional authors featured as vendors, book sales and signings, entertainment, live music, appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog and Pete the Cat and activities for children of all ages. This event is free and open to the public.

 Last year’s event drew an estimated 2,000 people. For more details concerning the Kansas Book Festival and a full list of slated authors please visit www.kansasbookfestival.com or our Facebook page.