Introducing The Harbor Springs Festival Of The Book
Celebrating the culture of books in a beautiful part of the world
September 30th — October 2nd, 2016
As most good ideas begin, the story of the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book (HSFOTB) started over drinks. In this case, at a bar called The Pier, located not too far from the docks in Harbor Springs, Michigan. A bookseller, a marketing guru, an author and a newspaper man, all four lovers of the written word in their own right, began to brainstorm a festival celebrating the physical book in the stunning small town they call home. (In case you’ve not had the pleasure of visiting the population 1,207 town located on the northern edge of Little Traverse Bay, here is another stunning photo.)
They wanted to create something unexpected — something that would put Harbor Springs on the map as a literary hub. They started shopping the idea around to others in the small town, all of whom responded positively. A board was formed, more people got involved to produce a business plan (for what would later become a 501c3), donations were made and mentors were consulted. Specifically, Robin and Erik Eidsmo (directors of the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference) provided advice and encouragement early on. “From there it was just a lot of stubborn persistence,” the newspaper man said.
Then, the Festival got a very early win. LA Times Book Prizes’ Administrator, Ann Binney, was hired as the Literary Program Director.
Binney has secured 30+ (soon to be 40+) nationally and internationally-known authors, illustrators and other presenters for the Harbor Springs Festival of The Book’s inaugural year, taking place September 30th — October 2nd, 2016. The three-day event will include a ‘School Day’ (where presenters will be visiting five local schools), author and illustrator panels and keynotes, as well as demonstrations from cookbook authors at local restaurants (and much more). Many venues have opened their doors to the HSFOTB, as the entire town of Harbor Springs begins to rally around this intimate, walkable and inclusive event. While some events such as keynote addresses and cookbook demonstrations will require a paid ticket to enter, much of the Festival will be free for all lovers of book culture to enjoy.
Why have a Festival of the Book?
Ann Patchett wrote an editorial for The Wall Street Journal on the recent resurgence of independent bookstores. Simply put, she states: “People were tired of pointing and clicking. People were tired of screens in general.”
According to the American Booksellers association, independent bookstores have seen 30% growth since 2009, with sales up 10% in 2015. A linguistics professor at American University conducted a survey that found 92% of college students prefer print books. Additionally, a recent survey by the Codex Group found that 64% of book buyers read both print and digital books, but that only 1% of book buyers have gone completely digital.
New articles continue to be published about the buyer’s simple desire to retain a tactile experience with the book and the people who sell them.
The physical book is here to stay and we’re here to celebrate it. Local bookstore Between The Covers will be the official bookseller for the Festival, the store itself being a huge staple in the Harbor Springs community (and the Festival’s inception).
Who is attending?
The list is still growing, but we’re excited to share confirmed presenters to date:
Maureen Abood | Kate Bassett | Bryan Bliss | Martha Brockenbrough | Nickolas Butler | Diane Cook | Elle Cosimano | Luke Davies | Jerry Dennis | Allison DeCamp | Deborah Diesen | Kim Edwards | Ashley Elston | Kathleen Flinn | Angela Flournoy | Craig Johnson | Edan Lepucki | Mardi Jo Link | Jim Lynch | Thomas Lynch | Rebecca Makkai | Domenica Marchetti | Keith McCafferty | Megan Miranda | Travis Mulhauser | Stewart O’Nan | Lynn Rae Perkins | Deb Pilutti | Renee Rosen | Wade Rouse (Viola Shipman) | Lance Rubin | Maggie Shipstead | J. Ryan Stradal | Matthew Sweeney | Julie Lawson Timmer | David L. Ulin | Margo Wood | Brenna Yovanoff | Sara Zarr
How you can get involved?
Donate
As the chart below suggests, our existence wouldn’t have been possible without initial donations by a lot of generous people who love reading and Harbor Springs.
Whether you’ve been to Harbor Springs or not, at the end of the day this Festival is for anyone that loves books. Your donation would go towards travel for the presenters, venue rentals, and the employees that are making this thing happen. Donations of any amount are needed and greatly appreciated. There are two processes established to donate:
- Credit card donations are accepted directly through our website.
- By check made out to The Harbor Springs Festival of the Book. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 766 Harbor Springs, MI, 49740.
Join the conversation and spread the word
It’s 2016, we’re all over the social media. You can signup for our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, pin our pins on Pinterest, like our photos on Instagram, and of course follow us on Medium!
We’ve had some amazing conversations over social media and we want to keep those conversations going. Don’t be shy!
We hope to see you there
Book lovers from the Great Lakes region and beyond are welcome to gather for this culturally energizing and memorable Book Festival. Our cohesive vision of a truly connective festival in this small-town atmosphere will celebrate the culture of books in a beautiful part of the world.
The 1st Annual Harbor Springs Festival of the Book | September 30th — October 2nd, 2016
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