KENTUCKY – The National Book Festival is coming to Kentucky with a special tour by local authors Brittany Thurman and Crystal Wilkinson.
The National Book Festival is an annual literary event organized by the Library of Congress whose goal is to celebrate books and authors from across the country, engage communities, and inspire a love of reading.
“The National Book Festival is an incredible celebration of reading and writing, and we are thrilled to bring this festival to Kentuckians across the state,” said Bill Goodman, executive director of Kentucky Humanities.
According to Kentucky Humanities, Crystal Wilkinson and Brittany Thurman have been selected to represent the Commonwealth at the 2024 National Book Festival. Wilkinson’s Praise to the kitchen spirits and Thurman’s Forever and ever The featured works from Kentucky will be in Washington, DC
Crystal Wilkinson is an award-winning author and poet whose writing explores the complexities of identity, family, and culture. Her works have received critical acclaim and are well-received by readers across the country.
Brittany Thurman is a respected children’s author celebrated for her vivid storytelling and ability to connect with young readers. Her works often explore themes of friendship, fantasy, and self-discovery.
Goodman added, “Kentucky is fortunate to have a long history of brilliant literary talent, and Crystal Wilkinson and Brittany Thurman are an integral part of the state’s literary heritage. This tour provides a great opportunity for people of all ages across the state to interact with them and participate in discussions about their work.”
Wilkinson and Thurman will visit 15 libraries across the state, and on August 24, Brittany Thurman will stop at the Calloway County Public Library in Murray at 10 a.m. and the McCracken County Public Library in Paducah at 3 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the authors, participate in interactive readings and ask questions.
Kentucky Humanities acknowledges that the National Book Festival’s Roadmap to Reading is made possible by generous support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities, with additional support from Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. The Kentucky tour was developed in partnership with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, the Kentucky Book Festival, the Kentucky Center for the Book, and Kentucky Humanities.
