TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Washburn University library hosted the 14th annual Kansas Book Festival, Saturday, Sept. 20.
“It’s kind of like a celebration of literature,” said Tim Bascom, the festival director.
At the festival, there was something for everyone.
“Everybody likes something. some people like carrots, some people like peas, and some of us don’t like them. And that’s the same thing with books and genres,” said Violet Cornett, a children’s book author.
“These kinds of events, I feel like, kind of open us up to something new, trying something new on that menu that we wouldn’t normally do, and we’re like, you know what, maybe. Maybe give it a go,” Cornett continued.
From children’s books to memoirs, the festival invited 50 authors from across the state to share their stories.
One of them is a familiar face in the Topeka community, known for his coverage of the 1966 tornado.
“I realized the next few words I would say would mean life or death,” said Bill Kurtis, former WIBW broadcaster and author.
Kurtis discussed his new memoir, “Whirlwind,” describing his life’s journey after uttering the words: “For God’s sake, take cover.”
Authors of all genres were in attendance.
Marian Washington, a retired KU women’s basketball coach, also shared her journey.
Her new book, “FIERCE: My Fight For Nothing Less,” documents her journey fighting for women’s equality in sports.
Every book and story told represented a different voice tied to Kansas.
“We intentionally focus on bringing people here who have books somehow tied to this state,” Bascom said. Now they may not live here still, but maybe they grew up here, or maybe they wrote something that’s just tied to us, and they come in to about it. We try real hard to give people a mix of things that would speak to everyone, everyone’s interests.”
In all, the festival showcased the impact of storytelling.
“To tell our story, whatever our vision, whatever it is that we want to convey to the other person, we say it through words,” Cornett said. “And you know what? It’s out there, you’re reading it and you’re reading it in however your tone is, but you’re you know embracing what the words are.”
WIBW is a proud sponsor of the Kansas Book Festival.
Learn more about the festival HERE.
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