Do you want to spend a day with more than 70 authors, including 50 from Minnesota? Would you like to hear them read from their latest works, engage in conversations and participate in panels? How about stories and activities for the kids?

If your answer is “yes,” you’ll want to be at the free Twin Cities Book Festival beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 8, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a move from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to Union Depot, 214 E. Fourth St., in St. Paul. This largest and longest-running book-related event in the state is expected to draw more than 7,000 attendees, according to organizer Eric Lorberer, publisher of the nonprofit literary journal Rain Taxi Review of Books, which hosts the event.

Among national and well-known authors will be Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series; Shannon Hale, graphic novelist; Jane Hamilton, “The Book of Ruth;” Alex Vernon, author of a biography of Minnesota-born author Tim O’Brien; and Stephanie Burt, literary critic, poet and former Macalester College professor. Presenting authors and their topics include Susan Straight and Minnesotan Faith Sullivan discussing writing the lives of women; Minnesotan Sheila O’Connor on family dynamics; and David Shields and Eric Lorberer on college-style projects. The Minnesota Author Showcase has too many participants to list, but among them are well-known names such as Frank Bures, Art Coulson, Peg Guilfoyle, Patrick Hicks, David Housewright, Rebecca Kanner, David LaRochelle, Kent Nerburn and Joyce Sidman.

After listening to your favorite authors, you can take a stroll through the area where 140 exhibitors will show their wares, including small press publishers, literary organizations, magazines, writing programs, libraries, literary advocates and used/rare book dealers. Some publishers will host meet-and-greets with their authors at their booths.

The Book Festival began in 2001 to support the local literary community and celebrate the written word, attended by 1,000 people. It grew after moving to the Fairgrounds, where events took place in two buildings. Lorberer says this year’s move to the Depot offers more space to accommodate the festival’s growing popularity.

Information you need, including a full schedule, author biographies, how to get there and parking options can be found at twincitiesbookfestival.com.

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