The Southfield Public Library presents its Books & Beyond Festival Saturday, September 15th and Sunday, September 16th from 1-5 PM on the front lawn of the library located at 26300 Evergreen Road in Southfield. Call 248-796-4200 for further information. The Book Beat will be selling books for the authors.

Featured authors include:

Gary Schmidt - Saturday at 1:30 PM

Gary D. Schmidt is the author of LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY, which won both a 2005 Newbery Honor and a 2005 Printz Honor. His other novels include; ANSON'S WAY and STRAW INTO GOLD. He is a professor in the English department at Calvin College and lives on a farm in Alto, Michigan, with his wife and six children. About his newest book WEDNESDAY WARS: "Schmidt, whose LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY won both Printz and Newbery Honors, delivers another winner...deeply satisfying." --Publisher's Weekley, starred review
 

Beverly Jenkins - Saturday at 3:15 PM

Jenkins's novels go beyond "traditional" black issues and frequently shatter stereotypes about the black experience. "Romance is a necessary part of life, but so many books about black people are studies in survival," she told People. "Not everything has to be about the civil rights movement." Visit the author's website at BEVERLY JENKINS OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Wong Herbert Yee - Sunday at 1:30 PM

When he was small, Wong Herbert Yee used to watch his older brother draw. Today, both he and his brother are artists. Wong Herbert Yee enjoys using words and pictures to create images for his readers. He also likes to draw clothes on his animal characters! Wong Herbert Yee is the author/illustrator of the classic children's books Fireman Small, Hamburger Heaven, Big Black Bear, Drop of Rain and many others. Visit the artist and author's  fun and animated website at WONG HERBERT YEE. 

Naomi Long Madgett - Sunday at 2:30 PM

Detroit Poet Laureate Naomi Long Madgett has been well recognized for her contributions as poet, publisher/editor, and educator. She is author of nine books of poems, the first published when she was only seventeen years old. Dr. Madgett founded Lotus Press, Inc. in 1972 and continues to serve as publisher and editor. Lotus has published more than 90 collections of poetry of high literary quality.Learn more about this outstanding Detroit area poet at NAOMI LONG MADGETT.

There will be a writer's workshop, music, children's performers & activities, a friends of the library booksale, poetry open mic and much more!