The Cobb County Public Library has announced the return of the 2025 Book Worm Book Fest, which will take place in downtown Powder Springs from Monday, April 28, through Saturday, May 3.
This much-anticipated annual festival brings a week packed with literary-themed events for readers of all ages.
Hosted by The Book Worm Bookstore in collaboration with the City of Powder Springs and Cobb County Public Library, the festival aims to foster community connections through a shared love of books.
The highlight of the week will be the all-day festival on Saturday, May 3, at Thurman Springs Park.
This event will feature an array of activities including author panels, a keynote speaker, and family-friendly attractions.
The day will kick off with a Character Parade at 9:30 a.m., showcasing beloved children’s book characters such as Dog Man and Elephant and Piggie.
Following this, the festival will officially open at 10 a.m., starting with a poem reading by poet Tony Keith Jr.
Programming will continue throughout the day until 5:30 p.m., encompassing panel discussions, book signings, and the much-anticipated keynote address.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Breanna J. McDaniel, a best-selling children’s author and illustrator.
McDaniel’s debut picture book, Hands Up!, was recognized as a Georgia Center for the Book “Books All Young Georgians Should Read” selection.
Her most recent title, Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller, earned her the 2025 Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award, adding to her accolades.
A cornerstone event of the festival is the “One Book, One City” program, which encourages residents of Powder Springs to read the same book prior to the festival.
This year’s selected title is Can’t We Be Friends: A Novel of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, authored by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight.
The authors will host a discussion and book signing at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Thurman Springs Amphitheater.
Aside from panels and readings, attendees can look forward to food trucks, vendors, a kids carnival-themed area, and crafts at the Cobb Library booth.
Activities will also be coordinated by Cobb Collaborative, ensuring a variety of options for festival-goers.
The author panels will cover a range of topics including children’s, middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction, as well as a special session on the role of independent bookstores.
Confirmed author panelists for the event include Kelly Young Silverman, Vanessa Riley, Tanisia Moore, Andy Runton, Natalie Lloyd, Katrina Moore, Lauren Agra Deedy, Ellery Adams, Valarie Burns, Lynn Cahoon, Traci Hall, Lee Hollis, Molly MacRae, Allie Pleiter, Chris Negron, and James Riley.
The independent bookstore panel will feature owners from Brave + Kind Bookshop, Read It Again Bookstore, A Small Place Bookshop, and All Things Inspiration Giftique.
The week leading up to the main festival day includes several events hosted throughout Powder Springs.
On Monday, April 28, at 6 p.m., an Evening at the Library will feature a One Book, One City book discussion at Powder Springs Library.
On Tuesday, April 29, at 4 p.m., there will be an Alice in Wonderland Celebration, a themed tea party with crafts at Powder Springs Library.
Wednesday, April 30, at 4 p.m. will feature Storytime with the Cobb Library Bookmobile, showcasing author Karen Good Marable, who will read from her book Yaya and the Sea, with the location yet to be announced.
The following day, Thursday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m., an Open Mic Night will be hosted by poet Tony Keith Jr. next to The Book Worm Bookstore at 4460 Marietta St.
Finally, on Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m., Jazz Music will accompany a Marilyn Monroe Film Screening at Thurman Springs Park, featuring performances by local musicians.
The 2025 Book Worm Book Fest promises to be a delightful celebration of literature and community spirit.
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