Title
Local Author Fair - Phoenix Public Library - District 7
Description
This report provides information on the 2026 Phoenix Public Library Local Author Fair, an annual event that promotes literacy, supports local authors and strengthens community engagement.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix Public Library Local Author Fair is held annually at Burton Barr Central Library and provides Arizona authors with an opportunity to connect with readers, showcase their literary works and engage with fellow writers.
Each spring, the Library conducts a six-week Call for Authors open to Arizona residents. Applications representing a broad range of genres are reviewed by a committee of librarians, and selected authors are invited to participate in the Fair. Selected titles are also added to the Library's collection, increasing public access to works created by Arizona authors.
Participation in the Local Author Fair continues to increase. In 2025, the Library received 168 applications and selected 84 authors. In 2026, applications increased to 224, with 108 authors selected to participate. This growth reflects increasing awareness of and interest in the program among Arizona's literary community.
The 2026 Local Author Fair was held on November 7, 2026, at Burton Barr Central Library. Participating authors were provided opportunities to sign books, engage directly with readers and build professional connections. Feedback from authors and attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event's value as a community-centered literary gathering.
The Library also partnered with AZ Humanities to promote the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read initiative. As part of this partnership, free copies of The Essential Emily Dickinson were distributed to attendees, and related programming will be offered by the Library from December 2026 through April 2027.
The Local Author Fair continues to support the Library's mission by showcasing local authors, expanding access to diverse voices, and fostering literacy and lifelong learning opportunities for Phoenix residents.
Location
Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Avenue
City Council District 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Library Department.