Writers from all over the state will fill the atrium of downtown's Central Library on Saturday, April 29th when Birmingham Public Library hosts its second annual ALABAMA BOUND: A BOOK AND AUTHOR FAIR CELEBRATING ALABAMA AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS. Last year's first-time-ever event brought together more than fifty writers and publishers and hundreds of readers for a day of good fun—people met, mingled, heard authors speak, bought books, got them signed . . . and many enjoyed a cup of coffee along the way in the library's Atrium Café.

The 1999 line-up of authors included Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rick Bragg, Birmingham novelist/poet Anne George, and Selma storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham. These along with many other veteran Alabama writers and several newcomers created a day-long celebration unlike any other book fair in our state.

"We wanted to have an event that would bring authors, publishers and the public together in a big way but in an informal, festive atmosphere," said Anne Knight, coordinator of last year's event. "And we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams! Accolades from authors and participants alike poured in following the first book fair. 'Do it again next year!' seemed to be the common thread of all the responses—so that is exactly what we are doing!"

This year promises an even more diverse and creative group of literary figures. There are already commitments from a number of last years' authors along with many new faces, new books, and exciting new programs. Among those authors with recently published books already lined up for this spring are Birmingham's own "Father Goose," Charles Ghigna (Animal Trunk), Bill Cobb (A Spring of Souls), Alabama Secretary of State Jim Bennett (Tannehill and the Growth of the Alabama Iron Industry), Clyde Bolton (Nancy Swimmer), Anne George (This One and Magic Life), and Kathryn Windham (The Bridal Wreath Bush). There are many more names "in the works," so watch for more information and a surprise or two in the weeks to come!

Of course Alabama publishers will be at the library, too—Blackbelt Press, Crane Hill Publishers, the University of Alabama Press, and Livingston University Press are all scheduled to have representatives at Alabama Bound 2000. Birmingham Public Library wants to give strong support not only to native authors but also to those who are making such an outstanding publishing effort in Alabama.

Also on tap for the same weekend in nearby Linn-Park is Operation New Birmingham's 17th annual Magic City Art Connection. This popular event hosts artists from around the southeastern United States. The Library's book fair joins forces with this art event in bringing people to downtown Birmingham for a day of both literary and artistic entertainment.

Where ever you’re planning to go this Spring, we hope you’ll save the last Saturday in April to be ALABAMA BOUND! The journey begins at 10:00—meet your favorite Alabama authors, buy their books, hear them read, and talk to them about their work. It's all FREE and open to the public. No registration fees, no applications—just great fun for the whole family.