The Indianapolis Public Library is partnering with Indiana Humanities to host a Local Author Fair at Herron High School, 110 E 16th St, during Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Proof is a fall literary festival entering its third year. Hosted in partnership with local poets Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Chantel Massey, the festival is held in the Old Northside of Indianapolis and includes a book fair, author readings, workshops, food trucks, music, and games.
“The Indianapolis Public Library has a long history of connecting local writers with readers and providing space for storytellers to learn and grow,” said Alexander Hampton, program specialist at The Indianapolis Public Library. “Partnering with Indiana Humanities for Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest was a natural extension of that charge, allowing us to celebrate the incredible talent of Indiana authors while creating opportunities for community connection. We look forward to sharing The Library’s collections, services, and Bookmobile with festival attendees and helping more readers discover local voices.”
The Local Author Fair is open to the public, offering readers the opportunity to meet and connect with authors from across Indiana.
Indiana authors are invited to apply for one of up to 30 free table spaces at the event. Selected participants will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their books while connecting with the literary community. Author applications will be accepted through Wednesday, July 29. Authors will be notified of acceptance on or after Sept. 4, 2026.
Authors who apply for a table space at the 2026 Local Author Fair at Proof must live or work in Indiana, with a focus on authors with work published in 2025 or 2026. The application can be found on The Indianapolis Public Library website.
For more information visit indypl.org or indianahumanities.org/proof.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
