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Cobb County Public Library, in collaboration with The Book Worm Bookstore, is thrilled to announce a final wave of additions to the Together We Read: Cobb Library Book Festival. Taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at North Cobb Regional Library, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the festival has grown to include additional award-winning authors, a diverse “Afternoon Highlight,” bilingual family programming, and a unique early-morning nature excursion.
New Headliners & Morning Kick-Off
Joining the festival as the Afternoon Highlight is award-winning writer, Cebo Campbell, adding a second pillar of literary excellence to the day alongside opening headliner, Nic Stone.
The festivities will now begin earlier than the main doors with “Before the Books: A Guided Morning of Birdwatching.” Starting at 9:15 a.m. at the neighboring church. This 30–45-minute session invites guests to learn the basics of binoculars and spot local birds in Georgia. No experience is necessary; attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and enjoy a quiet moment in nature before the literary excitement begins.
Bilingual & Community Focused Panels
The 2026 festival will feature two new landmark panel discussions designed to bridge the gap between books and community action:
- Open Spaces, Open Minds: How Libraries Reach the Community: An inside look at how Cobb County Public Library is expanding its impact through innovative technology and community engagement.
- Local Voices, Big Impact: The Power of Independent Bookstores: A roundtable featuring the five independent bookstores selling books at the festival, including The Book Worm. This panel explores how local shops foster community and keep the love of books alive.
For families, the festival has added Spanish/English Storytimes featuring authors Mayra Cuevas and Lisa Brown, ensuring the power of story reaches every member of the Cobb community.
Expanded Author Roster
In addition to the previously announced lineup, the festival is proud to welcome:
- Cebo Campbell (Afternoon Highlight)
- Paris Blatecky
- Alex Troutman
- Channelle Desamours
- Shelly Anand
- Torrey Maldonado
- Lynn Street
- Mayra Cuevas (Bilingual Storytime)
- Lisa Brown (Bilingual Storytime)
Activities Throughout the Day
Beyond the panels, attendees can participate in nature journaling, explore reading challenges hosted by The Book Worm and North Cobb Regional Library, and enjoy a variety of crafts, games, and the Dog Man mascot appearance.
“We aren’t just hosting an event; we are creating a home for every reader,” said Julia Davis, owner of The Book Worm Bookstore. “From birdwatching to bilingual stories, there is truly a place for everyone here.”
The festival is a free community event. Registration and a full schedule of the 20+ authors (below) and three panel rooms can be found at cobbcounty.gov/library/events.
The Full 2026 Author & Guest Lineup includes:
- Nic Stone (Opening Highlight)
- Cebo Campbell (Afternoon Highlight)
- Breanna J. McDaniel (Moderator & Award-Winning Author)
- Andy Runton (Owly Drawing Lesson)
- Mayra Cuevas (Spanish/English Storytime)
- Lisa Brown (Spanish/English Storytime)
- Wanda Morris
- Tanisia Moore
- Karen Good-Marable
- HD Hunter (Special Guest)
- Kelly Young-Silverman
- Kimberly Brock
- Julian Winters
- Valerie Burns
- Delali Adjoa
- Paris Blatecky
- Alex Troutman
- Channelle Desamours
- Shelly Anand
- Lynn Street
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