![Thousands of people browsed through rows and rows of books at the 12th annual Twin Cities Book Festival, October 13, 2012, at the Historic Progress Center at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The festival's included readings from world-renowned authors, panel discussions, children's events, and book exhibitors.] Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune bbisping@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YMYXZJIAQWK3J5ZC63HK5BI254.jpg?&w=1080)
The annual Twin Cities Book Festival is remarkable for many reasons — its longevity (this is its 16th year), its affordability (free), its access to writers.
But perhaps most remarkable has been its history of consistently attracting a large, diverse group of interesting authors — serious writers of fiction and poetry, local stars, children's authors. This year, there will be more than 50 in all. Simultaneous talks and panel discussions mean nobody can get to everything, but you are welcome to try.
The festival, which is put on by the folks at the nonprofit literary journal Rain Taxi, runs all day Saturday, at the State Fairgrounds. There is one paid event on Friday: a $20 party with appetizers, a cash bar and a talk by Kathryn Aalto, author of "The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh."
Saturday opens with a 10 a.m. mingle with Man Booker Prize winner Marlon James, as well as Krista Tippett, Benjamin Percy and other local writers.
Panels, talks and book signings will include Francine Prose, Charles Baxter, Phoebe Robinson, Shannon Gibney, Wing Young Huie, André Alexis, David Housewright and others.
There's also a book fair, activities for kids and new and used books for sale. The schedule is at raintaxi.com/twin-cities-book-festival. No registration is required.
Just show up, wander and soak it all in. □
