The Harbor Authors, a group of 25 writers inspired by the place that is southwest Michigan, will share books and expertise Sept. 8 in its first Harbor Authors Festival & Book Fair.

The free public festival will take place at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, 500 Market St., in St. Joseph.

From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., various authors will read selections from their books.

Children and parents alike will enjoy the children’s literature workshops, where authors will read their books and then engage the children in activities.

Other writers will be hosting workshops on finding the poet inside – an activity aimed especially for those 11 and older.

Writing tips include how to capture memories of the past or the past of someone loved.

Have you written a book?  Is it sitting somewhere gathering dust? Well, come to the workshop on self-publishing where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of how to get that book out to the public.

Visit the book table where you’ll find fiction ranging from a college president’s illicit behavior to a neurosurgeon who plays God.  In nonfiction, topics span living with epilepsy to the development of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph from the days of the first pioneers.

Children’s books include stories about a witch who’s afraid of the dark and a young girl who copes with the loss of her father.  And don’t miss the poetry section –writers explore female characters from classical texts, haiku and many others.

Call (269) 760-2456.