Greater Rochester Teen Book Fest (TBF) will make its in-person return this month with a new venue and lineup of authors, panels and events. This year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, at Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester. Gates will open at 9 a.m.
From festival T-shirts designed by a local student to walk-up music for the batting lineup of authors, this year’s TBF is bringing back Rochester’s annual celebration of teens in our literary communities and the authors who write for them.
Now in its 15th year, TBF promotes reading by connecting teens with authors to promote and support recreational reading. The festival is free and open to the public, with presentations and panel discussions with popular young-adult authors throughout the day. Attendees also will have the chance to meet their favorite authors and connect with fellow teen readers and writers. Most of this year’s events will be in open-air spaces on and in the hallways of Frontier Field.
“We’re excited to bring the face-to-face format of the festival back, as there’s nothing quite like having that direct interaction,” TBF Board President Kenya Malcolm said. “The virtual 2021 festival was a safe way for attendees to enjoy the experience from their home or school, but this year, the authors are looking forward to connecting with their fans and teen readers and writers in person.”
TBF was established in 2006 by librarian Stephanie Squicciarini, who passed away in 2018, and a team of public and school librarians. It’s since grown into a community-sponsored event dedicated to celebrating teen readers and writers, providing opportunities to interact with award-winning authors. It brings together more than 2,500 readers each year.
TBF 2022 will feature breakout sessions, workshops and publisher booths designed to promote engagement with authors, readers and writers. This year’s TBF-exclusive bookseller, Hipocampo Books, will have a selection of books from festival authors for purchase and signings. Books by featured authors can also be found at local libraries. Other official TBF merchandise, including festival T-shirts, will be available at the event, with exclusive online items also available at greater-rochester-teen-book-festival.myshopify.com.
The event is free and open to the public, but school buses are encouraged to register. For more information about the festival, including the schedule of events, featured authors and volunteer opportunities, visit http://teenbookfest.org.
Provided information
