The 2023 Amelia Island Book Festival will kick off Feb. 17 with its signature Authors in School program. New York Times bestselling and local/regional award-winning authors visit schools across Nassau County. The program aims to put a book in the hands of every student. Through event ticket sales and the generosity of sponsors, donors and members, the Amelia Island Book Festival purchases books for each of these students. This year, more than 9,000 books were purchased, delivered and will be presented by the authors.
The iconic Amelia Island Book Festival Celebrity Author Gala will be held Friday evening, Feb. 17, at The Ritz Carlton Amelia Island. The New York Times bestselling celebrity authors this year are David Baldacci, Kate Quinn, Scott Turow and Jeannette Walls.
The evening will commence with a cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner with a live auction. Featured author Scott Turow will lead a discussion and Q&A. The evening will be completed with a celebrity book signing.
The gala will be emceed by Nassau County business leader Jackson Selvidge. To purchase tickets for the gala, go to ameliaislandbookfestival.org/gala. All proceeds directly benefit the Authors in School literacy program.
The Authors’ Expo and Readers’ Extravaganza will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Fernandina Beach Middle School. This event is free to the community and the most prominent way for authors to take part in the festival.
During the expo, there will be opportunities to engage with authors in an up-close and personal way while authors showcase and sell their books. Multiple activities for children and adults, including celebrity author breakout presentations and book signings, and a Kids Zone will keep attendees and their families engaged and circulating around the exhibits throughout the day.
For more information, or to pre-register for specific expo sessions, go to ameliaislandbookfestival.org/author-expo.
Pandemic restrictions have curtailed the festival for the past two years.
“We are working hard to make 2023 a banner year for the festival,” said Paige Foery, president of the Amelia Island Book Festival. “The AIBF Gala offers an up close and intimate experience with bestselling authors and the opportunity to support literacy for Nassau County students. The Saturday expo is a celebration of all things literary. There is something new, interesting and exciting for everyone!”
For more information on the 2023 Amelia Island Book Festival, go to ameliaislandbookfestival.org.
