The fifth annual Ithaca Is Books Festival kicks off Thursday, September 11 in Downtown Ithaca with a packed schedule aimed at building a connection to books and reading for a broader community, and strengthening Ithaca’s identity as a community that values and supports reading and books. 

The Festival, produced by Autumn Leaves Books/PM Press, Buffalo Street Books/Ithaca Literary, Odyssey Books, Story House Ithaca, and Tompkins County Public Library will include author panels, readings, open mics and opportunities to buy books from your favorite local authors.

At your library, it will also include special programming and chances to meet authors.

Here are the special programs planned: 

• Ithaca Is Books Edition of Story & Craft 
  Thursday September 11 from 4 to 4:45 pm in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room
• Ithaca is Books X WSKG: Acoustic Rooster Sensory-Friendly Screening featuring the new PBS show based on the book by Kwame Alexander
  Friday September 12 from 1 to 2 pm in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room
• Ithaca is Books: My Pollinator Garden with Author Jordan Zwetchkenbaum Local author of non-fiction picture book
  Friday September 12 from 4 to 5pm in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room
• Ithaca is Books: Kalynn Bayron & Laila Sabreen Author Visit YA authors in conversation about creativity and more.
  Saturday September 13 from 2 to 3pm in the BorgWarner Room

TCPL will also have a presence during the Festival's Book Fair on The Commons Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 as part of ongoing outreach efforts to help people know all the resources available for free to anyone who lives or works in Tompkins County.

And watch for TCPL's Head of Adult Services Judd Karlman as he leads a conversation with prolific Sci-Fi author, activist and journalist Cory Doctorow at Buffalo Street Books on Thursday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m.

You can learn more about Ithaca Is Books from the news release about the Festival or by visiting the events website at www.ithacaisbooks.org.