Book sales and Book events for Literary Lovers

Bookworms, unite! If you live for libraries, collect more books than you’ll every read, or dabble in writing yourself, you probably LOVE literary events. From book clubs, author talks, workshops, literary festivals, and the ever-popular book sales, you cannot get enough of the written word.

Reading isn’t just a solitary event – it connects people: the author to the reader, the reader to the characters, and like-minded readers to each other. There are so many events in Columbus that are perfect for literary lovers.

Whether you want to be social, or prefer to keep to yourself, check out some of these activities and upcoming events!

Ohio Literary Trail

Book lovers can go on an adventure trail across Ohio with the Ohio Literary Trail. Created by the Ohioana Library Association, the Literary Trail spotlight’s Ohio’s role in shaping culture and literature worldwide.

There are more than 70 sites to visit across 5 regions of the state. It’s a great way to explore new parts of the state, and hidden gems in your area.

Thurber House

A must-stop for readers, writers, and more in Columbus. Visit the living museum and restored 1873 home of humorist, cartoonist, author, playwright, and journalist James Thurber, take workshops, and more. Find details and programming here.

Thurber House Author Summer Literary Picnics and Writing Programs

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum on The Ohio State University campus holds the world’s largest collection of materials related to comics and cartoons. Open to the public and admission is free. Hours are: Thursday – Sunday: 1:00-4:00 pm, reservations required. Please see website regarding closures for exhibition installations, parking, and more.

CML Carnegie Author Talks

Columbus Metropolitan brings national authors to you with The Carnegie Author Series Author Talks. Programs are free!

Carnegie Author Series: Author Talks with Columbus Metropolitan Library

Delaware County Library Author Talks

Check out Author Talks with Friends of the Delaware County District Library. Any session that requires a ticket price benefits the Friends of the Library and their mission to support DCDL and literacy in Delaware County. Details/registration here.

Saturday, April 9 at 2 p.m. | Terri Libenson, author and illustrator of the Emmie & Friends series
Wednesday, April 27, time TBD | William Kent Krueger, author of “Ordinary Grace” and the Cork O’Connor mysteries
Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m. | Sarah Vowell, author of “Assassination Vacation” and contributing editor to “This American Life”
Saturday, October 15 at 7 p.m. | Felicia Day, author of “Embrace Your Weird”
Saturday, November 12 at 7 p.m. | Tommy Orange, author of “There There”
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 | Neal Shusterman, author of “Scythe”

Literary Festivals

Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo

Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 3 PM – 7 PM at Grove City Elks Lodge.

The Mid-Ohio Indie Author Book Expo is an opportunity for readers to mix and mingle with some amazing self-published and independently published authors. Meet indie authors from different genres, from inspirational romance to graphic novels.

There is something for everyone, including fabulous door prizes, food vendors, and more. Kids are welcome – there are activities for them, as well as a reading corner. Parking and admission is FREE. Details on the website.

Grove City Elks Lodge, 2140 Sonora Drive, Grove City, OH 43123

Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival

Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 1 pm – 4 pm at The Point at Otterbein.

Read to Lead/Write to Enlight is a concept about the natural process of allowing reading and writing to become a part of your daily activities and supporting authors, whether they are local, out-of-state, or from another country.

The event will be geared toward spotlighting 7-10 local authors, with the potential to also include 1-3 authors from other states. Authors will have the ability to sell their work, talk with attendees, and get the community engaged in reading, writing, and literacy activities. Authors and illustrators can visit MelicaNiccole to find out more details about the event. Tickets are FREE.

The Point at Otterbein, 60 Collegeview Road, Westerville, OH 43081

Free books for kids with The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library

Library Branches and Book Sales

There are SO, SO, SO many activities and events available through our amazing local library systems! From book clubs, arts/crafts, senior events, workshops, movie nights, and more, you can always find something fun to do at the library for all ages.

The branches offer Summer Reading programs for all ages, and many offer Winter Reading program as well! Check out the book sales to enjoy “new to you” books at a low price! Sales are often held in the spring and fall, so if you don’t see updated info, check the link for the next sale.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Systems

Big Book Sale: April 1-2, 2022, with the clearance sale on April 3 from 1-4 pm. Read about it here.

Delaware County District Libraries

Bargain Book Sale: March 5, 2022 from 9 am – 3 pm

Pataskala Public Library

Spring Book Sale: March 18 from10 AM – 5 PM and March 19th: Book and Bake Sale 10 AM – 2 PM.

Westerville Public Library

Worthington Libraries

Books are available for sale at all Worthington library locations. Displays are located in the lobby area of both Old Worthington Library and Northwest Library and to the right of Worthington Park Library’s entrance.

May 13-15 Old Worthington Library
August 4-6, Members-only sale on August 3, 7 to 9 p.m.
October 7-9, Members-only sale on October 6, 7 to 9 p.m. Event held in conjunction with Old Worthington Market Day on Saturday, October 8.
December 2-4, with a members-only sale on December 1, 7 to 9 p.m.

Upper Arlington Public Library

Southwest Public Libraries

Book Sale: The Friends have an ongoing sale at both Grove City (in the Friends of the Library Book Sale Room) and at Westland (in the entrance lobby). Special sales are also held periodically. Stay up-to-date with Friends sales and events through their website or Facebook page.

Bexley Public Library

Friends of the Library Book Sale: May 19-22, 2022. Thursday, May 19th: from 6-7 pm is the Members Only Pre-Sale. You must be a current member of the Friends of Bexley Public Library, memberships may be purchased at the door or on their website at friendsbexlib.org. Sale opens to the public from 7-8 pm.

Marysville Public Library

Friends of the Library Book Sale: March 28-April 3, 2022

Pickerington Public Library

Friends of the Library Book Sale: April 6-10. Read more here.

Granville Public Library

Plant Swap: April 23
Book Sale a La Carte: June 4, 2022

Licking County Library System

Winter Reading Challenge (online): Through March 26
Spring Book Sale: April 30

Book Clubs

We aren’t including book clubs because there are so many, and it’s a lot to update and keep track of. If you know of a book club that is open to new members, please leave a comment with details for other readers to see. Otherwise, most libraries, bookstores, and even some museums have book clubs open to the public.