Alabama authors to converge at BPL expo

The Birmingham Public Library will host its Local Authors Expo on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Central Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual event will showcase Alabama authors, many from the Birmingham area, along with other registered professionals. 

During the event, which draws supporters, readers and aspiring authors, authors will have books available for purchase and signing. 

Attendees can meet the authors, get books autographed, listen to speakers, learn about writing and publishing and network with both established and up-and-coming authors and publishers.

“We anticipate 30 or more authors,” said Yolanda Hardy, regional coordinator for the Eastern Region of the Birmingham Public Library. “A wide array of genres will be available, and readers and aspiring authors will meet others like themselves.”

The expo will also feature two guest speakers. Chandra Sparks Splond, a graduate of Ramsay High School and the University of Alabama will speak at 10:30 a.m. Splond is an editor, speaker and award-winning author and blogger. Her book “Make It Work” was selected Alabama’s Great Read 2017.”

Nia Mya Reese, second grade student at Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover, will speak at 1 p.m. The best-selling child author wrote “How to Deal With and Care For Your Annoying Little Brother,” which was published in November 2016.

At press time, registration was still open, but once closed, a final list of authors will be posted on the library’s homepage. 

This event is open and free to the public. For more information, visit bplonline.org/programs/LocalAuthors.