In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Concord Festival of Authors (CFA) presents 39 engaging literary events for all ages both online and in-person on October 13-31, 2022.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Stewarded by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library (CFPL) and planned collaboratively with multiple local organizations, CFA programs showcase diverse experiences and voices that honor the evolving literary history of Concord, MA.
The 30tht annual CFA kicks off on Friday, October 13 at 7:00 pm with Gregory MacGuire, author of the bestselling novel and Broadway sensation, Wicked, at the Concord Museum. The CFA keynote address on October 21 features acclaimed author, physicist and MIT professor Alan Lightman discussing literary life in Concord and his thought-provoking book, Probable
Impossibilities.

In a unique collaboration on October 28 with The Robbins House, Concord’s African American History Museum, board members will share a conversation entitled, A School. Sugar. A Slave Bell, which explores the intentions and emotions elicited by a 500-pound sugar plantation ‘slave bell’ given to the historic site.

On October 22, register for the popular Breakfast with the Authors panel – this year held at the newly renovated Concord Free Public Library’s Richard and Doris Kearns Goodwin Forum. The CFA Breakfast will be moderated by physician, author and Concordian, Dr. Suzanne Koven in
conversation with Steve Almond, Rachel Barenbaum and Lan Samantha Chang.
CFA 2022 award ceremonies include: winner of the Friends of the CFPL’s Miller Award for Excellence in American History, Professor Sean Wilentz of Princeton; Rajani LaRocca, award winner and presenter of the CFPL’s Leslie Riedel Memorial Lecture for Young People; and the presentation of the Concord Young Writers Award, presented by celebrated author and Instagram
phenom Yung Pueblo.

The Umbrella Arts Center offers a reading by poet and essayist Aimee Nezhukumatathil from her best-selling book, World of Wonders. Be Well Be Here presents Mindful Storytelling with renowned activist and author, Shelly Tygielski, in conversation with global mindfulness educator,
Dr. Christopher Willard. Concord Academy offers an alumnae/i panel moderated by Susan Knopf and featuring acclaimed authors Julia Glass, Susan Minot and Ruth Ozeki. The CFA also presents writing workshops on family narratives, healing stories, nature writing, and time travel for teens.
“This enduring festival exemplifies Concord’s literary heritage and its evolving, vibrant writing community,” says CFA Curator Lara Wilson. “The CFA Team is committed to sharing diverse narrative voices with a broad audience, and our collaborators endeavor to present creative programs imbued with the warmth of the Concord community.”

Most events are free thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the CFPL, the CFPL Corporation, participating CFA organizations and CFA sponsors. Online registration is required for many events and can be accessed along with the full calendar through the CFA website, ConcordFestivalofAuthors.org.

Contact: Barbara Gugluizza, Head of Reference
Concord Free Public Library
978-318-3347
info@concordfestivalofauthors.org

CALENDAR of EVENTS