For the Record
The 2025 Amelia Island Book Festival kicks off Feb. 28 with the Authors in School program.
The AIS program has not only provided the opportunity for every student in Nassau County to receive a book, but also places the book’s author right in front of them in their classroom.
Program organizers work diligently to gets kids excited about reading and strive to put books in the hands of all students. What better way than to experience meeting the author behind the book?
“We want them to see firsthand the inspiration and dedication that goes into a career as a writer, should they be interested in that path for themselves. But mostly, we want them to be excited about the endless possibilities with reading and writing,” notes a festival press release.
New this year is a homeschool session at the Yulee Branch Library Feb. 28.
That evening, the AIBF Featured Authors Gala will begin at 6 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. The festival is headlined by Honorary Chairman Kevin Powers. He is joined by nine renowned New York Times best-selling and award-winning authors, including Elliot Ackerman, Alafair Burke, S.A. Cosby, Loni Crittenden, Abbott Kahler, Angie Kim, Michael Koryta, George Pelecanos and Shelley Read. These featured authors will offer something for every reader, from young adult sci-fi to some of the best (and best-selling) crime and mystery writers working today.
The festival also includes writers of literary fiction, non-fiction, and thrillers. The gala begins with an open-bar reception with featured authors, followed by a seated dinner with a live auction. Following dinner will be an author discussion between Kevin Powers and George Pelecanos with audience Q&A, followed by book signings. Visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org/gala to purchase tickets. All proceeds directly benefit Amelia Island Book Festival’s programs focused on improving literacy in Northeast Florida.
The festival continues March 1 with the Authors’ Expo and Readers’ Extravaganza at Fernandina Beach Middle School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a free event and the most prominent way for guests to take part in the festival. There will be opportunities to engage with authors as more than 100 authors showcase and sell their books.
The festival will have author break-out sessions and panel discussions throughout the day with the 10 featured authors. Former Honorary Chairman David Baldacci will participate in an author panel discussion with a book signing to follow.
The Kids Zone expands this year with games, activities, a bounce house, children’s author book signings, food trucks, and more. Local Olympian Poe Pinson and her dad, Kenny Pinson, will share about their children’s book, “Poey and Click.” Local author Lizzette Harris will share her children’s book, “Marcus Finds Fantastic Flavors,” with her son. This is a family-friendly event for children of all ages to celebrate literacy in a casual, fun, festive atmosphere. Visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org/2025-aibf-festival for more information.
The Festival closes with the Amelia Island Book Festival Scholarship and Short Story Contest. AIBF is proud to be able to offer three scholarships this year. The Betsy Odom Scholarship for $5,000, a AIBF Scholarship for $3,000 and a AIBF Scholarship for $2,000. The Short Story Contest rewards cash prizes to the top three winners and honorable mentions. The top stories submitted will be published and the student authors will receive copies The Short Story Cont-est is open to middle and high
school students.
The Amelia Island Book Festival’s mission is to improve literacy skills in children and adults throughout Northeast Florida.
“We nurture an appreciation for reading by providing quality events featuring local and New York Times Best Selling Authors, essay contests, scholarships and much more,” the press release notes.