What is the Best Southwest Bookfest?
The Best Southwest Bookfest, presented by the public libraries in Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville and Lancaster and the UNT Dallas Campus Library, celebrates the written word by presenting excellent and inspiring events for readers, writers and book lovers. The Bookfest occurs annually in the spring and features local and national authors as well as illustrators, literary agents, and publishers.
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When and where does the Bookfest take place?
The 2009 Bookfest takes place on March 27th & 28th at the Lancaster Recreation Center. The Lancaster Recreation Center is located at 1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Lancaster, TX which is off N. Dallas Avenue (near Cedar Valley College). Map Please refer to our schedule page for more details.
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Is there a charge to attend?
Admission to most Bookfest events is FREE. There is a charge to attend the Friday night dinner (ticket required) honoring featured authors and the Saturday luncheon (ticket required) with Victor McGlothin and Travis Hunter. To register for any of these events go to FORMS.
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How can I participate as a sponsor?
If you are interested in becoming a Bookfest sponsor, contact Cami Loucks, Chair, at 972-227-1080 x7 or <cloucks@lancaster-tx.com>
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Can I volunteer?
Sure! We rely on volunteers to make sure our Bookfest runs as smoothly as possible, and we can always use another interested, hard-working book lover. To sign up, please read and complete the volunteer form And thank you in advance. Volunteer opportunities are available on both Friday the 27th and Saturday the 28th.
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How can I participate as an author?
Author appearances at the Bookfest are by invitation only. The submission of materials does not guarantee selection. Please consider that an invitation one year does not guarantee that an author will be invited back every year. If you would like to be considered for the 2010 Best Southwest Bookfest, please send any or all of the following to Author Selection - Best Southwest Bookfest, P.O. Box 2675, Cedar Hill, TX 75106 - a list of your works, press kit, bio, publisher information, letter of introduction (email versions of these materials will not be accepted). While early submission does not guarantee a spot on the festival roster, it does help.
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How do I get to the Bookfest location?
The Lancaster Recreation Center is located at 1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Lancaster, TX just south of Cedar Valley College. Map
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I'm coming from out of town. Where should I stay?
Best Southwest Hotels include:
1. Holiday Inn Express
1310 E Wintergreen Rd
DeSoto, TX 75115
866-539-8430
2. Hampton Inn
1311 E. Centre Park Blvd
DeSoto, TX 75115
214 217-8636?
3. MCM Grande
1515 N. I-35 East
DeSoto, TX 75115
800-758-7672
4. La Quinta Inn & Suites
641 North I-35 East
DeSoto, TX 75115
972-920-0100
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How can I pay for dinner and luncheon tickets, or simply make a donation?
Please send your check, payable to "Best Southwest Bookfest," to Best Southwest Bookfest; P.O. Box 2675, Cedar Hill, TX 75106. If you wish to pay by using a credit card click the Bookfest PayPal icon on the form page. You may also drop off your check and form at any of the participating libraries: Zula B. Wylie Library in Cedar Hill, DeSoto Public Library, Duncanville Public Library or Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library. In case of a problem or question contact Cami Loucks at 972-227-1080 x 7 or cloucks@lancaster-tx.com
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What is the deadline to make reservations for either the Friday night Author's Dinner or the Saturday Luncheon.
Reservations for both Friday night and Saturday are due by Friday, March 20, 2009. Dinner or Luncheon cancellations made prior to 6 p.m. on 3/20/2009 will be refunded. No refunds after Deadline.
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How can I find out when my favorite authors will be appearing?
Please refer to our "Featured Authors" portion of the website be sure to schedule page check back often for any update or changes
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When will the authors sign their books?
Most authors will be available to sign books in the Autograph Areas near the Barnes & Noble and Half Price Books Sales areas. As of February 18, 2009, specific autographing times were still being decided but will usually be immediately before or after a speaking appearance.
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Is there a limit on the number of books I can get signed?
No. However, readers waiting to have more than three books signed by a single author may be asked to move to the end of the line. We ask that you respect others in line with you and limit each time to the front of 3 copies. You are welcome to go back to the end of the line and wait for another chance for the author to sign.
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Can I bring books from home to be signed?
Yes, but we encourage you to take a look at what our booksellers Barnes & Noble and Half Price Books have to offer, too.
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How can I get a Bookfest program?
Printed programs will be available at all Bookfest events. For a complete list of events, which is updated regularly, please refer to our schedule page, and feel free to print it out. Program ads are available at very reasonable rates through the deadline of March 13, 2009. Ads should be sent to Linda Keane at Linda.Keane@cedarhilltx.com
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Is there plenty of parking at the Bookfest?
Yes. There is ample free parking at the Lancaster Recreation Center.
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Will there be activities for children?
Yes!! We are very pleased to that we will have numerous programs for children (grades K-6) on Saturday, March 28, 2009 due to the receipt of an Arts Grant that was received from Target. Children's programs are scheduled from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Gymnasium of the Lancaster Recreation Center.
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I've seen details elsewhere that conflict with the information here. Who's right?
With such a mixed bag of facts and details associated with the Bookfest, wires sometimes get crossed and incorrect information is distributed. The most up-to-date information and corrections can be found on this site but if you still have a question, please call Cami at the Lancaster - Veterans Memorial Library - 972-227-1080 ext 7 or email her at cloucks@lancaster-tx.com
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I am a writer, and I'd like to talk to my favorite authors about my work. Will they be available for private chats or to evaluate manuscripts?
No. The authors will not be available to evaluate manuscripts.
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May I display my books, publicity materials, or informational flyers or brochures without being an exhibitor?
No. There will not be any exhibition or booth space available.
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I'd like to contact one of the authors appearing prior to the Bookfest. How do I do that?
Because we respect the privacy of our participants, we do not give out contact information.
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