Regional book fair amplifies literacy efforts

The University of North Georgia (UNG) and the Dahlonega Literary Festival will welcome readers, writers, educators, students, and community members from across the region for the third annual North Georgia Regional Book Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Convocation Center.

"More than a celebration of books, the event reflects a growing commitment to literacy, storytelling and lifelong learning across north Georgia," said Dr. Laura J. Getty, a UNG professor of English who is organizing the fair. "Through author conversations, student engagement opportunities and family-friendly programming, the fair connects people through the ideas and stories that shape communities."

As part of UNG's broader focus on preparing leaders for what comes next, the university views literacy as a foundational skill that strengthens critical thinking, communication, empathy, and civic engagement.

The free event will feature more than 80 regional writers, representing all genres. Authors will have their latest works on display and will also host panels and presentations. The event includes two Bingo sessions and door prizes, student vendors and concessions. There will also be two children's reading hours, one featuring Ellie the service dog and another with UNG cadets and Army Rangers from Camp Merrill in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

As part of that celebration, Jason Wetzel will discuss his new book on Charleston, South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War in his session titled "You're Only a Traitor if You Lose." His book, "Charleston Loyalists: Treason and Survival in the American Revolution," uncovers the merchants who wagered their futures on the crown, the artisans who refused to bow to rebellion, the women who carried secrets through burning streets, and the enslaved people who saw in the British lines a narrow, perilous path to freedom. All paid the price of choosing the losing side. Published in the spirit of America's 250th commemoration, this book restores Charleston's Loyalists to the city's Revolutionary story — revealing a past more mysterious than legend allows.

The featured authors for the event are Lynn Cullen, author of "When We Were Brilliant" (2026); Jenn Lyons, author of "Green & Deadly Things" (2026); and Judith L. Pearson, author of "Radical Sisters: Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, Evelyn Lauder and the Dawn of the Breast Cancer Movement" (2025).

Cullen's most recent novel is historical fiction and traces the relationship between Marilyn Monroe and photographer Eve Arnold. Cullen has several national and international bestselling novels and has received several honors, including the NPR Great Read, the ALA Best Book of the Year, and the Oprah Book of the Week.

Lyons' "Chorus of Dragons" series is a set of five fantasy fiction novels featuring Kihrin, a thief from the slums of Quur who discovers his royal origins and becomes embroiled in a political saga where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Her most recent novel, "Green & Deadly Things," follows Mathaiik, who must save the world from the forces of undead wizards.

Pearson’s 2025 book "Radical Sisters" won the Florida Book Award Gold Medal. It tells the story of the fight for women's rights by three trailblazing women who were diagnosed with breast cancer at a time when stigmas and myths about the disease were rampant. These women set the stage for the modern fight against breast cancer.

Author Heather Thompson, who has had a table at the event for the last two years, stated, "The North Georgia Regional Book Fair is a must-attend for me as a local indie author because so many self-published writers go unseen day-to-day. This event allows independent authors to shine and elevates those of us doing it on our own."

Participants can also view The Bayeux Tapestry replica, one of only three in the world. This magnificent 224-foot tapestry is an exact replica of the original French tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings in October 1066. This event has something for everyone — readers, writers, art enthusiasts, and the just plain curious. Near the entrance to the tapestry, local weaving artist Tommye Scanlin will be attending and giving a demonstration on how tapestries were woven.