Columbus Book Festival this weekend at downtown Main Library

Bibliophiles, consider clearing your schedules this weekend.

Reading the news: The Columbus Book Festival returns to downtown's Columbus Main Library and neighboring Topiary Park.

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• Hundreds of authors from every conceivable genre will be on hand for two days of panel discussions and book signings.

The best part: Admission and parking are free!

Zoom in: Local author Hanif Abdurraqib is among the featured guests. His recent bestseller, "There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension," describes growing up during a "golden age of basketball."

• Other notable authors include novelists Veronica Roth, Nick Petrie, Porochista Khakpour and Kennedy Ryan.

The intrigue: Visitors can also explore "Indie Author Alley," browse a massive book sale, shop for reading accessories and enjoy a variety of poetry readings and live performances .

Stop by: 10am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday, 96 S. Grant Ave.

Local author Hanif Abdurraqib's new book is "There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension." Photo: Maddie McGarvey/For The Washington Post via Getty Images