On Saturday, July 11, the Alameda Free Library will launch the inaugural Alameda Book Con, a community literary festival to celebrate books, authors, and literacy. Organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition.
Inspired by the popular pre-pandemic “Made in Alameda” event, the library’s first Alameda Book Con was developed by a seven-member staff committee that wanted to revive the spirit of a community maker festival while narrowing its focus to literature and reading. Children’s Librarian Fernanda Nuñez-Gutierrez said the committee recognized both a strong public appetite for literary events and a steady stream of local authors seeking opportunities to connect with readers.
“We remembered how well received it was with the community,” Nuñez-Gutierrez said of Made in Alameda. “We said, ‘What if we created something similar again, but with a more targeted focus towards literacy and books?’” To accommodate the expanded festival footprint, organizers will transform much of the library’s first floor into exhibition space, temporarily relocating furniture and repurposing the café as an exhibitor area.
Although organizers initially envisioned a modest event centered around 10 featured authors, enthusiasm quickly expanded the scope. The festival now features more than 50 Bay Area authors, creators, and illustrators representing a wide range of genres and audiences, including children’s, young adult, and adult literature. Exhibitors will include traditionally published and self-published authors, as well as vendors offering book-themed products such as jewelry and zines.
“We wanted anyone that steps into the building to be able to find something that resonates with them,” Nuñez-Gutierrez said. “Regardless of age, they’ll be able to find something that they really enjoy.”
Academy Award-winning filmmaker, animator, and author Alan Barillaro, along with award-winning author/illustrator, performing artist, and educator Edna Cabcabin Moran are expected to provide books for giveaways. Book-signing opportunities will follow all featured author presentations. Besides Moran and Barillaro, featured authors include acclaimed writers of fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels, including Vincent Chu, Jerrold Connors, Brian Copeland, Janet Dawson, Meg Elison, Abbie Harlow, Briana Loewinsohn, and Thien Pham.
Attendees can also enjoy creative activities. Adventure Theater will present an Adventure in Space, with audience members creating all the sound effects. Two free workshops in the library’s teen room will be open to participants ages 12 and older: a friendship poetry writing workshop with Hanne Williams-Baron and a personal zine-making workshop with Brown Recluse Zine Distro, a non-profit zine distributor.
Alameda Book Con is fully funded by the Friends of the Alameda Free Library, which also sponsors the library’s year-round programming. In addition to financial support, the Friends will provide event volunteers, offer a commemorative Alameda Book Con tote bag for sale, and operate the library café throughout the event, with all purchases supporting future library programming. The festival will also include giveaways while supplies last, including commemorative Alameda Book Con pins and stickers.
Join the party!
Alameda Book Con will be held on Saturday, July 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Civic Center Parking Structure at 1416 Oak Street, adjacent to the Alameda Theatre and a short walk from the Main Library.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit the Alameda Book Con’s website.
Editor’s Note: Karin K. Jensen and fellow Alameda Post contributor, Brice, will also be participating in Alameda Book Con.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers City Council, Planning Board, and book reviews for the Alameda Post and is a local author of The Strength of Water, An Asian American Coming-of-Age Memoir. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen. Contact her via [email protected].
