Among highlights
During the pandemic, most authors stopped in-person tours and instead, promoted and discussed their new works in virtual events. While some authors have returned to live events, many are still meeting fans and talking about their new books online.
The new season promises some big names appearing in central Ohio, either virtually or in person: Anthony Doerr (“All the Light We Cannot See”), whose new book is “Cloud Cuckoo Land;” award-winning children’s and young adult author Kwame Alexander; humor essayist David Sedaris; and Brit Bennett, author of the acclaimed novel “The Vanishing Half.” Because of the pandemic, those planning to attend an author event should check to see if an in-person event has been changed to an online event. negilson@gmail.com
Carole Genshaft, Deidre Hamlar
When: 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 2
Where: Zoom via the Westerville Public Library
What: Genshaft, editor of the book “Raggin’ On: The Art of Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson’s House and Journals,” and Hamlar, her collaborator on the exhibit of the same title at the Columbus Museum of Art, will discuss their subject in an online event. Admission: free
Information: www.westervillelibrary.org
Kwame Alexander
When: 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 9
Where: online
What: The Newbery Medal-winning author of books for children and young adults will discuss his novels (“Crossover” “Rebound,” “Solo,” “Swing”) and other topics.
Where: Zoom via the Westerville Library Admission: free
Information: www.westervillelibrary.org
Tracey Lange
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 13
Where: online via Gramercy Books What: The author of “We Are the Brennans” will discuss her novel in a book club facilitated by Ohio State University English professor Jim Phelan.
Admission: $5, or $29 including a copy of Lange’s book
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
John Thorndike
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 22
Where: Gramercy Books, 2424 E. Main St., Bexley
What: Appearing in a live event will be the author of the memoir, “A Year in the Shadow
of Alzheimer’s,” about the struggle of his father, Joe Thorndike, former managing editor of Life magazine.
Admission: registration is free; books will be sold at the event
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
Ronald H. Balson
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 28
Where: online via Gramercy Books
What: The National Jewish Book Award winner will talk about his latest legal thriller, “Defending Britta Stein,” with David Stebenne, Ohio State University professor of history and law.
Admission: $5, or $30 that includes a copy of Balson’s book
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
Lauren Ko
When: 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 30
Where: online via the Westerville Public Library
What: The author of “Pieometry: Modern Tart Art and Pie Design for the Eye and the Palate” will give a live demonstration and talk about her sweet creations. Admission: free
Information: www.westervillelibrary.org
Anthony Doerr
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 12
Where: online via Gramercy Books What: The author of “All the Light We Cannot See” will discuss his new book, “Cloud Cuckoo Land,” in conversation with author Jess Walter.
Admission: $33 that includes a copy of Doerr’s new book
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
Ohioana Book Awards
When: 6 p.m. Oct. 14
Where: Ohio Statehouse Atrium
What: The winners of the annual Ohioana Book Awards will be celebrated. Admission: $80, includes reception
Information: www.ohioana.org
Wil Haygood
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 21
Where: Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley
What: Following the first offering in a Drexel Theatre series exploring black filmmaking (title to be announced,) Haygood will discuss his new book, “Colorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World,” speaking with Drexel Theatre Director Jeremy Henthorn.
Admission: $10
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
Wil Haygood
When: 2 p.m. Oct. 24
Where: Columbus Metropolitan Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave.
What: The Columbus native and author of “Tigerland” will discuss his new book, “Colorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World.”
Admission: free
Information: www.columbuslibrary.org
Joshua Jay
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 27
Where: Gramercy Books, 2424 E. Main St., Bexley
What: The professional magician, podcaster and author of “How Magicians Think” will perform tricks and discuss his book with Ohio State University English professor Michelle Herman.
Admission: $30 that includes a copy of Jay’s book
Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
Kate Quinn
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 4
Where: online via Westerville Public Library What: The author will discuss her writing process and her book, “The Rose Code.” Admission: free
Information: www.westervillelibrary.org
Before you go
As of press time, here are the policies at venues hosting literary events:
• Columbus Metropolitan Library system: Masks strongly recommended for library customers; mask required for those attending in-person events.
• Drexel Theatre: Patrons are asked to wear masks in the lobby and restrooms and masks recommended in theaters regardless of vaccination status. Certain screenings and events may be designated “masks required.” (Wil Haygood event with Bexley Public Library)
• Gramercy Books: Unvaccinated customers are asked to wear masks in the store and vaccinated customers are recommended to wear masks. As long as the delta variant is active in Franklin County, the store requests that only those vaccinated attend in-store events. Masks are encouraged for all in the store, especially during book-signings.
• Ohioana Library: Masks are recommended. For the Ohioana Awards, the library will follow guidelines at the venue, the Ohio Statehouse, where there currently are no restrictions.
• Palace Theatre: Masks required
• The Westerville Public Library: Masks preferred at all events
Janet Beard
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 11
Where: Gramercy Books, 2424 E. Main St., Bexley
What: The author will launch her new novel, “The Ballad of Laurel Springs,” and talk with songwriter Parker Macdonell. Admission: $10, or $29 with a book Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com
David Sedaris
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. What: The humor writer will celebrate his new book, “A Carnival of Snackery: Diaries 2003-2020,” in a live appearance. Admission: $54 to $64
Information: www.capa.com
Brit Bennett
When: 2 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Columbus Metropolitan Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave.
What: The author of the acclaimed novel “The Vanishing Half” will appear. Admission: free Information:www.columbuslibrary.org