Lycoming Arts will present the Storytellers Book Fair on Friday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pennington Lounge at Lycoming College, “bringing together local and regional creatives for an evening of connection, conversation, and community,” a news release said.

A highlight of the evening will be a featured discussion with author PJ Piccirillo, who will speak from 4:30 to 5 p.m. about his historical novel The Indigo Scarf. Based on a true story and grounded in extensive research, the book explores the flight of two enslaved men into north-central Pennsylvania during the 19th Century.

“Given the significance of our region’s role in the Underground Railroad during this time period, I believe this book and PJ’s discussion will be especially meaningful to our community,” Debi Smith Burch, president of Lycoming Arts, said, according to the news release.

Lycoming Arts has selected The Indigo Scarf as the inaugural book for its newly launched Open Book Society, a book club created through its Storytellers initiative to further engage the community in meaningful literary conversations.

Piccirillo is also the founder of Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia (WCONA), an initiative dedicated to preserving the stories of the region while creating opportunities for contemporary writers. His work reflects a deep commitment to both historical storytelling and the development of new literary voices.

Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Piccirillo.

The evening will also feature a second discussion at 5:30 p.m. with John Shableski, General Manager of Otto Bookstore, titled “So, You Wrote a Book… Now What?” Drawing on decades of experience in the publishing industry, Shableski will offer insight into the path from manuscript to marketplace, followed by an audience Q&A.

“Whether you’re a reader, writer, history enthusiast, or someone who values meaningful storytelling, this book fair and its featured discussions will be worth experiencing,” says Alivia Tagliaferri, Chair of the Storytellers Book Fair Committee.

In addition to featured discussions, the Storytellers Book Fair will include:

• Author meet-and-greets and book signings

• A community book swap (bring a book, take a book, leave a note for the next reader)

• “Novel Treasures” themed basket raffles

• The “Uncork the Unknown” mystery wine pull

Proceeds benefit Lycoming Arts and support its mission to strengthen the local arts community.

The news release noted the event is designed for adults; children are not permitted to attend or host booths.

“Lycoming Arts believes the arts are the creative expression of all aspects of human experience, enhancing our shared legacy,” the news release said. “Through partnerships and a shared vision, Lycoming Arts fosters local and regional connections that generate awareness, opportunity, and support for the arts–enriching quality of life and creating a place where people passionately want to live.”

For tickets and more information, visit:

https://www.lycomingarts.org/stories