Get Involved Spotlight: Texas Book Festival
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Web extra: Mary Margaret Farabee, one of the Texas Book Festival founders, gives a brief history of the organization. Listen below.
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The Texas Book Festival is a nonprofit organization that celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. In its 17-year history, the Festival has connected readers with the nation’s most accomplished writers, contributed more than $2.5 million to Texas public libraries, and reached more than 40,000 children in economically disadvantaged Central and South Texas schools, providing many with the first book of their own.
The Festival and related programs are all made possible by generous support from sponsors, donors, and more than 1,000 volunteers. Thanks to their dedication, the Festival has always been free and open to the public. Donors also help the Festival bring books to life for children in low-income schools through the Reading Rock Stars program, and promote creative writing among middle and high school students via the Annual Fiction Contest.
The Texas Book Festival has evolved into one of the premier literary events in the country, hosting more than 200 Texas and nationally known authors. Every year, more than 40,000 visitors participate in the weekend of author readings and presentations, panel discussions, book signings, and musical entertainment at the State Capitol in Austin.
This year’s Festival is October 27 and 28 is presented by HEB. The much-anticipated announcement of the more than 200 authors appearing at the Festival will be made on September 12 at the home of First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian and an ardent advocate of literacy, who helped establish the Festival in 1996.
How to get involved
Volunteer
With more than 1,000 volunteers, the Texas Book Festival is working hard to make this year’s Festival the most exciting yet. There are many volunteer positions available, from helping with book signings, to escorting authors, and selling merchandise. For detailed information about the opportunities available and how to sign up, go to this link on the Festival website.
Skip to the front of the line with the FAST PASS
Every contribution to the Texas Book Festival helps us promote literature and literacy in Texas. Once you become a member, you’ll receive a membership card in the mail, and should bring it with you to the Festival to claim your benefits. At the $100 “Friend” level, members receive FAST PASS privileges, which allow you to avoid long lines by giving immediate access to certain sessions and signings, in addition to numerous other benefits. Please see our website for even more details about the various member levels and benefits. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Attend the Gala
Be part of an insiders’ literary evening and support the Festival and its sponsored programs at the same time by attending the First Edition Literary Gala on Friday, Oct. 26. Enjoy a cocktail party and dinner with three headline Festival authors. Tables for 10 are available at $5,000 and up, with different amenities at each level. A limited number of individual seats will be available for $500 after September 5th. For more information, contact Lisa Jones at 512-477-4055 or by sending her an email.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, email Texas Book Festival Executive Director Lidia Agraz or complete the sponsorship response form online.
Videos courtesy of Texas Book Festival; audio segments produced by Mike Lee
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