PRESS RELEASE OF THE DAY: Decatur Book Festival 2024

The beloved Decatur Book Festival is set to make its much-anticipated return to the city of Decatur October 4-5, 2024. The festival board of directors has been dedicated to strategically revitalizing and sustaining this enriching cultural and educational tradition by garnering the generous support of new and returning benefactors. This year’s two-day festival will kick off with the keynote event on Friday, October 4, and a full day of author panels and other activities on Saturday, October 5.

Alison Weissinger, volunteer president of the festival board and director of the DeKalb County Public Library, shares her enthusiasm for the festival’s resurgence, stating, “Our dedicated board members have worked tirelessly since our last festival in 2022. We’re thrilled to see renewed support from our community and key stakeholders, and we look forward to unveiling our new and returning sponsors soon.”

In an exciting development, Leslie Wingate, former vice president of the Decatur Book Festival Board, has announced her retirement as director of campus and community relations for Emory Libraries to spearhead this new chapter as executive director of the festival. “I’m absolutely delighted to lead the charge in bringing back this cultural gem,” says Wingate. “Teaming up with Program Director Denise Auger, a dedicated longtime festival volunteer and organizer of the 2022 festival, we’re poised to deliver a memorable experience. While this year’s festival will be intimate in scale, it serves as a prelude to the grand celebration awaiting in 2025 — the festival’s 20th anniversary extravaganza!”

Preparations are in full swing for the 2024 festival, with the local Decatur booksellers, steadfast supporters and ardent enthusiasts of the Decatur Book Festival, pledging their staff and resources to ensure its success. Among the participating booksellers are: A Cappella Books; Brave and Kind Bookshop; Charis Books and More; Eagle Eye Books; and Little Shop of Stories, each bringing their unique passion and expertise to enrich the festival experience.

About Decatur Book Festival 

Founded in 2005, the Decatur Book Festival is an annual celebration of literature, igniting passion for reading and fostering community engagement. Showcasing renowned authors and nurturing emerging voices, the festival is a beacon of literary excellence, enriching minds and souls alike.  —CL/PR—