A book published by the Ohio University Press will be the theme of the first Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus.

Good Roots: Writers Reflect on Growing Up in Ohio is a collection of personal narratives and poetry reflecting the aspects of growing up in Ohio published by the OU Press in January. Ohioana Library had been thinking of holding a book festival for some time. Once the library saw Good Roots, it decided to use the book as the theme for the festival because it “sort of met the mission for what Ohioana Library does,” OU Press marketing associate Jeff Kallet said.

The Ohioana Book Festival will be a daylong array of readings, panel discussions and book signings. First Lady of Ohio Frances Strickland will kick off the festival with an opening ceremony. Panelists will include Karen Long, book editor of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer and Rod Lockwood of the Toledo Blade. Ten authors from Good Roots will be in attendance, including OU alumnus Dale Keiger and Athens-native Elizabeth Dodd. Although all of the writers grew up in Ohio, all of them now live outside of the state. It will be “like a homecoming” for them to all be together, Kallet said.

Ohioana Library decided to host the book festival after polling its roughly 2,000 members, asking what members wanted the library to do, he said. Many members suggested that a book festival would be beneficial. Kallet added that David Weaver, development director for Ohioana Library and head of the festival, then put the operation into motion.

The OU Press agreed to partner with Ohioana and print all of its promotional materials as the university’s way of donating to the festival, Kallet said. He hopes that the festival will help get the OU Press’ name out there and market Good Roots.

The Ohioana Book Festival will take place tomorrow at the State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave., in Columbus from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to all events is free.