Book Fest is back. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh celebrates the city’s rich literary community and love of reading in an annual event at the main branch. Poets, authors, book enthusiasts, and more gather at Book Fest to pay tribute to Pittsburgh’s growing literary reputation. Several LGBTQ+ authors will be in attendance, such as Stonewall Award winner Milo Todd, Drag Race star Eureka O’Hara, local author Dani Lamorte, TJ Alexander, and others.
Todd’s book, “The Lilac People: A Novel,” was a finalist for the New England Book Award and was Amazon’s Editor’s Pick of 2025. The novel explores the life of a trans man, Bertie, in 1939 Berlin, Germany, as Hitler rises to power.
O’Hara and coauthor Dan Poblocki will discuss their book, “Jackson Bright in the Spotlight,” about a boy who enters a local pageant—as a drag queen.
Artist and writer Dani Lamorte, who grew up in an evangelical community in Armstrong County and now lives in Swissvale, explores his queer identity in his memoir, “Nobody’s Psychic: Finding & Losing Yourself.”
TJ Alexander is known for her slow-burning lesbian and non-binary romance books, such as “Chef’s Kiss” and the sequel, “Chef’s Choice.”
Kristin Morgan, Adult Collections Coordinator at the Carnegie Library, said, “There are so many books that come out each year. If a book doesn’t get the right amount of social media attention, it disappears. Books are ephemeral. The Book Fest gives readers a chance to discover new books.”
One of the authors featured at Book Fest is Kylie Lee Baker. Her book, “Japanese Gothic,” made the New York Times, USA Today, and Goodreads Readers’ lists of Most Anticipated Books for 2026. Morgan said, “We are getting her on the cusp of her popularity.”
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Angela Wiley, Children’s and Teen Programming Coordinator at the Carnegie Library, said, “Every genre is represented at Book Fest, and we have a lot going on. There are story times, poetry readings, panel discussions, book signings, and independent authors selling their books on Writer’s Row.”
The Carnegie Library will bring the books to readers. Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Meg Medina, who writes picture books, middle grade, and YA fiction, will visit Manchester, Pre-K – 8. At the Pittsburgh Public School, Medina will read from “Graciela and the Abyss” and give away copies of her books.
Wiley thinks it’s important for Book Fest to represent marginalized communities. “When LGBTQ kids and teens feel represented, they find community. They find themselves. It’s also crucial for allyship that all the kids see diverse identities.”
She added, “Last year, social workers, teachers, and educators came out to our Queer Youth Panel.”
Reader Services Coordinator Emma DeLooze-Klein said, “Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Guncle,’ will be promoting his new work, a children’s book, ‘Take Me With You.’”
Wiley said, “Come out and support your favorite authors. Writing is a solitary pursuit. The Book Fest gives authors a chance to connect with the people who are reading their books.”
DeLooze-Klein said, “From debut authors to big-name authors, there is something for everyone.”
Book Fest begins on May 30 at the Carnegie Library Main Branch (Oakland), 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.