Tucson Festival of Books packs UA Mall

With sunny skies and a high of 77 degrees, visitors took in the good weather as they strolled around checking out exhibits, presentations and books signings along the University of Arizona Mall.

With about 350 authors and more than 250 exhibitors set to make an appearance during the annual festival, there was something for nearly everyone.

Some favorite events included taking selfies at the National Parks Experience Pavilion, taking part in demonstrations and experiments at Science City and spotting a storybook character or two in the Children’s Pavilion.

Panels and author discussions had high turnouts this year, with ticketed and large-venue events hitting the full mark, said Marcy Euler, executive director of the Tucson Festival of Books.

Mystery writers Faye and Jonathan Kellerman were among the many presenting authors who attracted crowds, along with Diana Gabaldon, writer of the Outlander series, who talked about what it’s like to see your books end up on television.

Fan favorites J.A. Jance and R.L. Stine returned Sunday after attending Saturday’s events to talk more about their influences and participate in panel discussions.

Tucson author David Devine and Star cartoonist David Fitzsimmons closed out the event with humorous Tucson trivia at the Arizona Daily Star’s Pavilion.

Estimated attendance this year matched or surpassed last year’s count of 130,00 people, with Saturday being the busiest day, Euler said.

She attributed the success of the book festival to the volunteers, sponsors and donors who work year-round to make the event possible.

Proceeds from the festival help support organizations that work to improve literacy in Southern Arizona.

Since the first fest in 2009, the Tucson Festival of Books has contributed more than $1,050,000, according to the nonprofit’s website.

Groups that have benefited include Literacy Connects, Reading Seed and the University of Arizona Literacy Outreach Programs.