AUSTIN, Texas — The 24th annual Austin Jewish Book Fair (JBF), presented by the Jewish Community Association of Austin (JCAA), will be held from Nov. 3 to Nov. 11 with a special preview event on Oct. 12. Venues include the Dell Jewish Community Campus, Barnes & Noble at Westlake, and at the Texas Capitol. For the first time, the Jewish Book Fair will co-sponsor select events with the Texas Book Festival.

“The Jewish Book Fair welcomes everyone in the Austin community to meet some of their favorite established and up-and-coming authors from across the world,” said Lisa Apfelberg, director of the Jewish Book Fair. “Subjects covered will include politics, humor, family, science, mystery, religion, history, art, and current events. We look forward to hosting thought-provoking and educational discussions.”

Children’s author Judith Viorst is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at the JCAA. According to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, “is the author of several works of fiction and non-fiction for children as well as adults. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (see adaptation), her most famous children’s book, was first published in 1972 and has since sold over two million copies.”

This year about 20 authors, illustrators, and performers will take part in the Jewish Book Fair. The theme is “Got Books?” and Barnes and Noble will provide an on-site bookstore at the JCAA. Those wishing to purchase books online are encouraged to click on the Barnes and Noble icon at www.shalomaustin.org/bookfair. The Book Fair will receive 5% back on all sales year-round through the B&N icon.

Austin-area middle school students will meet to discuss the novel, Cezanne is Missing by Frank McMillan, using the Holocaust to teach the importance of memory and tolerance in the face of fanaticism and hate.

The JBF takes place each year during Jewish Book Month. It is made possible by the JCAA’s Spotlight on the Arts Patrons and Corporate Sponsors, the Annual United Jewish Campaign, and a dedicated team of volunteers. Attendees are encouraged to bring new or gently used books to the Book Fair for the Literary Coalition of Central Texas.

The Jewish Community Association of Austin (JCAA) is a gathering place for our members, for the Austin Jewish community, and for the community as a whole. It enhances the quality of Jewish life in the greater Austin area and around the world, through charitable, educational, social service, cultural, religious and recreational endeavors. The JCAA includes the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, and the Jewish Family Service.