Dover, Ohio - The Dover Public Library is welcoming readers and authors this weekend for its first-ever Canal Town Book Festival.

The festival kicks off on Friday at 6 pm with an appearance and book signing by nationally acclaimed teen author Natalie D. Richards and wraps up Saturday with a regional author fair. 

Natalie D. Richards is the bestselling author of six teen novels and is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries and writing groups. She will discuss her latest thriller, "What You Hide", and signing copies following the program. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the Dover Public Library. 
 
The author fair runs from 9 am to 4 pm Saturday and will have 20 to 30 regional authors on hand signing and selling their books and talking about writing. Library Director Jim Gill says this will be a chance for people to get to know and learn from published authors representing a wide range of genres.

"This is a great opportunity for members of the community to meet writers, talk writing and to pick up an autographed book or limited-edition book festival t-shirt or tote bag," he says.

Authors appearing at event include Patricia Miller, Kristen Lepionka, Paul Stutzman, Linda Au, Rex Ray, Annie Tipton, Trang Moreland, Chuck & Beth Hewett, Rose Hostetler and more. A complete list of authors can be found at www.doverlibrary.org. 

Sponsors for the Canal Town Book Festival include Campesino's Grill, Canal Dover Association, Chrysalis Counseling Center, Country Inn & Suites, Dover Exchange Club, Friends of the Dover Public Library, Kent State Tuscarawas, Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths and Doughtery Co., L.P.A., The Bibliophile bookshop, Wendy's and WJER. 

For more information, call 330-343-6123 or email director@doverlibrary.org. The Dover Public Library is located at 525 N. Walnut St., across from Dover High School.