Meet more than 30 of Maine’s best writers, adult and children’s authors, including international, national and state award winners at the 13th annual Books in Boothbay on Saturday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boothbay Railway Village. Purchase new titles for your collection and chat personally with your favorite Maine authors. Admission to the book fair is free.

This year’s event is dedicated in memory of author and illustrator Thomas Block. Block passed away on Friday, June 23 due to complications from lung cancer. For the past four years, Block illustrated the event’s poster with original designs that reflected both the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and the Boothbay Railway Village. At the event in 2015, Block and author Paige Pendleton created a character named Reginald for a children’s illustrating workshop. In December of that same year, the Museum published the book, "Reginald the Railway Rat," in partnership with the pair. The original watercolor paintings from the book’s illustrations, as well as Block’s original watercolor poster art, will be displayed at Books in Boothbay. Many of his book projects both as illustrator, and more recently author, will be available for purchase. In addition to his many recent accomplishments as an artist, illustrator and author, Block will be remembered by scores of students in Midcoast Maine. He taught art in Thomaston, St. George, Cushing, and Wiscasset for a total of 37 years before retiring in 2011. He was one of Books in Boothbay’s biggest fans and most popular attendees.

Books in Boothbay is a partnership benefiting both the Boothbay Railway Village and the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. Admission to the book fair is free. For more information, including a list of participating authors, visit the event blog at www.booksinboothbay.blogspot.com. 

For those who would also like to visit the Museum exhibits and enjoy a steam train ride, admission can be purchased onsite for $12 adults, $10 seniors and $6 children. Museum members and children under 3 are free. The Museum will be open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm with steam train departures on the hour between 11:00 – 4:00. The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay.  For more information about the Museum call 207-633-4727 or visit www.railwayvillage.org.