Much Ado About Books in Jacksonville, 2010

February is the month of book festivals in Florida for sure with Much Ado about Books in Jacksonville coming up right after the Amelia Island Book Festival.

Much Ado About Books follows on February 26-27, 2010 with most of the events taking place at the Main Library on Laura Street in downtown Jacksonville. The festival is hosted by The Jacksonville Public Library Foundation. This year’s festival include a writer’s workshop, breakfast with an author, panel discussions, Children’s Chapter and keynote luncheon.

“It is with great pride that we are hosting this year’s milestone event to benefit the Jacksonville Public Library,” said Maggie Hightower, executive director of the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation. “Much Ado About Books is the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts and a meaningful contribution to Jacksonville’s literary community.”

The festival kicks off on Friday, February 26 with a Writer’s Workshop, hosted by guest authors Steve and Elizabeth Berry. The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $100 in advance and seating is limited.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, a private breakfast for 10 lucky guests will be hosted by a featured author. This event will take place at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel and tickets are $100 in advance.

Following the breakfast, the Book Festival itself, will open its doors at the Main Library. Highlights for 2010 include panel discussions with featured authors and a Children’s Chapter. Here you can meet children’s authors and experience hands-on activities. The Children’s Chapter will take place from 9 a.m. until noon.

The event will conclude with a keynote luncheon, sponsored by THE PLAYERS Championship and featuring women’s fiction author Mary Kay Andrews, who entertain the audience with stories from her most recent book, Fixer Upper. Tickets to the luncheon are $50 in advance and $60 at the door.

Other featured authors include Michael Craven, Michael Cavendish, Jacksonville natives Donna Deegan and Carla Harris, Kaylie Jones, William “Ron” Little, Tori Murden McClure, Katherine Hall Page, Andrew Gross, Michael Palmer, Chris Bohjalian, Carlla Cato and others.

To purchase tickets or get more information about the schedule, visit the event Web site, www.muchadoaboutbooks.com.