What Are Books For?
A virtual celebration of authors, books, ideas, and readers. Join us for a day of conversations, discoveries, featured authors, and moments created around the many reasons we read and write.
The September Program
One program. One shared experience. A day built around books.
Welcome to BookCarnival
We open the September Carnival with a welcome to authors, readers, guests, and book lovers from around the world. Meet your host, discover what's ahead, and enter the question at the heart of this edition.
What Are Books For?
We begin with the question at the heart of this Carnival. A special guest author explores what books can give us, why we create and read them, and what makes a book matter beyond its pages.
The Book I Had to Write
A personal conversation with a featured author about the book they felt compelled to write—the experience, idea, or question that brought it into existence.
Meet the Authors
Meet two BookCarnival authors in short, focused conversations about their books, their journeys, and what they hope readers discover.
Meet Your Next Read
Four authors. Four books. Four opportunities to discover something new. Each author receives a focused introduction to their work and the ideas behind it.
The Readers Take the Floor
This is where the audience becomes part of the Carnival. Readers can join the conversation, ask questions, share experiences, recommend books, and talk about the books that have stayed with them.
Beyond the Book
Authors come together for a broader conversation about writing, reading, creativity, publishing, and what happens when a book leaves the author's desk and finds its readers.
Author Spotlights
Two more authors take the spotlight for focused conversations around their books and creative journeys.
A Special Carnival Moment
A special experience created for the September Carnival. Details will be announced as the final program develops.
The Books That Changed Me
A special conversation with a bestselling or highly regarded author about the books, experiences, and influences that helped shape their journey.
So, What Are Books For?
We return to the question that opened the Carnival. Selected featured authors join our host for a final reflection on what books mean to them, their readers, and the world around us.
Until the Next Carnival
Thank you for spending the day with us. Stay connected with BookCarnival for upcoming author features, new books, conversations, and the next Carnival.
Meet the Voices of BookCarnival For this Edition
Want to Be Part of BookCarnival?
Bring your book into the conversation.
BookCarnival gives authors an opportunity to introduce their work to readers through a thoughtfully programmed virtual festival experience. Whether you’re looking to give readers a closer look at your latest book, share the idea behind your work, or have a meaningful conversation about your journey as an author, there is a place for your voice within the Carnival.
Participating authors can be featured through Discovery Features, Author Spotlights, Featured Conversations, and other selected festival programming, with each appearance given its own editorial angle and purpose.
Your book isn’t simply placed on a list. It’s introduced as part of the conversation.
Next Carnival
26-27 September, 2026.
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