The Fox Cities Book Festival Announces Return, April 17-24

In a world gone digital, book festivals across the country are incorporating the latest technology, but also continuing to celebrate the long-time impact traditional paper-bound books have in inspiring face-to-face conversation and connecting readers.
The Fox Cities Book Festival of Appleton, Wisconsin, is one of them and has announced its return for 2013 with a line-up of over 50 authors.

Kicking off its sixth year, the week-long Book Festival will welcome four headliners - including Lisa Genova and Wisconsin's own Michael Perry - and several featured authors. A number of participants are New York Times best-selling authors. The Festival is set to run April 17-24 with writers of all genres, including children/youth, teen and young adult, mystery and poetry. Among the line-up are national and local authors, some returning by popular demand and others making a first-time appearance.

Book Festival events will be scheduled at various venues and gathering spots throughout the Fox Cities and include readings, writing workshops and poetry panels. Many authors will also present at local schools.

Jeff Kuepper, president of the Fox Cities Book Festival, said, "The Festival has attracted a strong following in its first five years with the variety of authors we've been able to bring in. It draws people from many segments of our community as well as visitors from other areas." Kuepper also noted, "This is such a great opportunity to connect readers with writers, get people talking and inspire new ideas among everyone involved."

As print books start to become outnumbered by their electronic counterparts, Kuepper explained that these types of festivals celebrate the history and value of the good, old-fashioned paper-cover book while also embracing new technology.

He also said that festivals can enhance and connect entire communities through the simple act of reading. A few examples of how they can have the most impact according to Kuepper:

• As a vehicle that brings residents together and stimulates person-to-person dialogue
• Sharing multiple viewpoints on different topics of interest promotes diversity
• Reading and writing events put emphasis on literacy education
• Showcases a community's gathering places - from libraries and school to cafés, theaters and even pubs
• Attracts new visitors

The Fox Cities Book Festival first began in 2008 with the mission to connect writers with readers and explore the magic of books. For more information on the 2013 Fox Cities Book Festival, visit http://www.foxcitiesbookfestival.org.