DETROIT – The Detroit Festival of Books is on track to be the largest in its history. Over the past eight years, the festival has featured thousands of books all in one place.
The Detroit Festival of Books took over Eastern Market on Sunday, and book vendors say there’s something for everyone—from novels and biographies to records and comics.
The Krenn family recently moved to the Motor City from North Carolina, and this was their very first book festival.
“When it said it was a book fair, I thought it was a table and some chairs with some old paper books,” said Michael Krenn.
The Detroit Festival of Books is the largest book festival in Michigan.
“There’s not many around. Eastern Market has been here forever. You gotta keep it going. It’s important for us Detroiters,” said one vendor.
Janeice Haynes, owner of Detroit Book City, was asked about having so many books in one place.
“Much needed. I love it, it’s exciting,” she said.
Now in its eighth year, the festival features more than 250 authors, illustrators and vendors.
“Bookfest is the most extravagant book fair you can attend. It’s our fourth year here,” Haynes said.
Haynes has owned Detroit Book City for nine years and says her bookstore is a passion project.
“It’s very nostalgic. I can open a book and smell that smell from when I was five. You gotta use a bookmark!” she said.
Book lovers say it’s no surprise the festival nearly doubled its size from last year, taking over sheds 4, 5 and 6.
“It’s just great to have so many different genres to look through, and you might find genres you were interested in,” said Lisa Krenn, a book lover.
“It takes you out for a minute, where you don’t have to focus on what’s going on in the world and focus on your book,” said one attendee.
The festival also set a goal of collecting 2,000 donated children’s books alongside Detroit-based nonprofit Birdie’s Bookmobile.