The 19th Annual Books by the Banks
Cincinnati Regional Book Festival
at the Main Library of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library,
800 Vine Street, downtown Cincinnati.
The 2026 Books by the Banks regional book festival promises to be one of our best ever with the return of all your favorite activities!
- 100+ national, regional, and local authors
- Author Panel discussions on reading, writing, and publishing
- Family Fun Zone with all day fun for kids with arts & crafts, story times, and more
- 2026 Writing Contest in Prose and Poetry in adult and teen categories
2026 Writing Contest
Submissions are OPEN for the 2026 BBTB Writing Contest. This year’s theme is BRIDGES. You are free to interpret it literally or figuratively.
Submit entries for prose, poetry, or both in either the teen or adult categories. For more information on this year’s contest hit the ENTER CONTEST button below.
2026 Cover Art Contest
Submissions are now OPEN for the second annual BBTB Cover Art Contest. This year’s theme is BRIDGES. Winners will be featured in the annual Writing Contest print compilation.
Judging of the submitted artwork will be done by distinguished local artists. For more information on this year’s contest hit the ENTER CONTEST button below.
Calling all volunteers!
As an all-volunteer non-profit, we can use your help. We will need volunteers in Kids’ Corner, Teen Scene, welcoming and directing people as they arrive at the Main Library, greeting, checking in and being stage assistants in the Author Pavilion and setup and teardown.
Author Submissions
Books by the Banks is currently accepting authors’ submissions to participate in the 2024 festival. Submissions must be submitted by August 16, 2024.
Get in touch with us.
Contact us today to learn more about Books By the Banks and the many opportunities for writers, volunteers, sponsors and all who love books.
