The Orlando Book Festival brings a day-long Celebration of Books to Orlando Public Library

Enjoy panels and talks from authors from all over the state and a keynote from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer. 

Join Orange County Library System for the return of the annual Orlando Book Festival at the Orlando Public Library in downtown Orlando for a day-long celebration of books.

This year's Orlando Book Festival will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1 am - 6 pm, and will feature panels and talks from authors throughout Florida. The festival will also include a keynote from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer. 

This year's Orlando Book Festival will feature various litery organizations in attendance, including Timucua Arts & Authentic Selves Poetry, The Jack Kerouac Project of Orlando, and Writers of Central Florida or Thereabouts. Plus, throughout the day there will be panesla dn writers workships.

At 2 pm, enjoy the keynote from Brad Meltzer, the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers.

He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address. He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel.

Then at 3 pm, all the authors in attendance will be available for book signings.

Authors attending the festival include:

Brad Meltzer, the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of bestselling thrillers, non-fiction for adults and kids, and inspirational books.

Kait Ballenger, an award-winning romantasy author obsessed with morally gray heroes, spicy redemption arcs, and paranormal tales. She lives in Florida with her husband and two sons.

Vivi Barnes, the author of young adult books Olivia Twisted, Olivia Decoded, and Paper or Plastic as well as co-author of the middle-grade novel The Thief of Time.

Phyllis Biffle Elmore, an Amazon Best Selling author and was awarded the Library Journal’s Best Book of 2022. She received her M.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.

Owl Goingback, a recipient of the Horror Writers Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a Bram Stoker Award Winner for both novel and first novel, and a Nebula Award.

Christina Farley, a writer of romantic fantasy adventures inspired by her travels. When not wandering the world or creating imaginary ones, she spends time with her family in Florida.

Lori Gold, the author of ROMANTIC FRICTION, one of Zibby Media's "Most Anticipated Books of 2025." She is also the author of an adult historical and four novels for young adults (all under Lori Goldstein).

Racquel Henry, a Trinidadian writer, editor, and writing coach. She also owns the writing studio, Writer’s Atelier,

SK Golden, a writer of cozy mysteries and crime capers. She was born and raised in the Florida Keys and still lives on the islands with her family.

C.I. Jerez’s, whose debut novel, At the Island’s Edge, released 3/18/2025. She is a proudly Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Irish, and loves showcasing strong Latina protagonists. She lives in Central Florida.

Eliza Knight, a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and contemporary women’s fiction (as Michelle Brandon). She’s a history enthusiast, podcast host, and wine lover. Eliza lives on the Suncoast.

Sarah Zachrich Jeng, a graduate of the University of Florida and writes novels that combine suspense with the speculative. Her most recent book is When I’m Her.

Sarah Penner, a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of three novels. Her debut, The Lost Apothecary, has sold over one million copies worldwide.

David James Poissant, the author of the award-winning story collection The Heaven of Animals and the novel Lake Life. He teaches in the MFA program at the University of Central Florida.

Amy Christine Parker, the author of five critically acclaimed young adult thrillers: Gated, Astray, Smash & Grab, Flight 171, and You’re Dead to Me.

Ginny Myers Sain, the New York Times bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies(2021), Secrets So Deep (2022), One Last Breath (2024), and When the Bones Sing (2025) all from Penguin Teen.

Ana Siqueira, a Spanish-language teacher and an award-winning children’s book author based in Tampa, Florida. Her books include La Mala Suerte is Following Me, Vera la Valiente is Scared, Mami’s Heart, If Your Abuelo is an Astronaut, among others.

Raquel V. Reyes, born of Cuban-American heritage, Miami, and Spanglish feature prominently in her work. Mango, Mambo, and Murder, the first in the series, is in production to become the TV series “Miami Spice.”

Rochelle Weinstein, the USA Today/Amazon bestselling author of eight novels. She’s the monthly book contributor for AQUA Magazine and splits her time between South Florida and the Carolina mountains.

Gaby Triana, the bestselling Cuban-American author of 24 books in YA and adult horror, including Wake the Hollow, Moon Child, Island of Bones, River of Ghosts, and many more.

For more info on the festival: https://ocls.org/orlando-book-festival/.

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