feature story / 15 at the South Orange Library. It’s where I go to write when I need a break from my home,” she says. “Our town really uses our libraries. They helped us out so much during our first year.” Conklin also gives credit to her se- cret publicity weapons. “My kids are by far the best promoters,” she says. Joanne DiPasquale, who has lived in Maplewood for over two decades, attended the festival’s inaugural year and enthusiastically praises the engag- ing dialogue that took place during the panels. “Each discussion was such a pleasure to listen to,” she says, “and the audience had such good questions and the discussions were lively.” Lasner adds that he has gleaned les- sons from other successful events in the area. He credits the way in which Maplewoodstock has grown while still remaining community-focused. “Going to events like Oysterfest and PlayDay South Orange helps us learn about planning and organization,” he says. “It sounds small, but it’s impor- tant to know where to place informa- tion booths. I have a dream of being able to close down the town some day and do something like Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest.” Right now, the festival team is hop- ing to grow its audience and establish a new literary tradition. “People think that book festivals can be very serious,” says Lasner. “We’re creating something that is for the family. While getting great authors is important, we really want to build a fun book festival for the community.” The 2nd Annual Maplewood-South Orange Book Festival will take place Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9, 2018. All events are free and open to the public except for two ticketed events: the Friday night benefit for the Maplewood and South Orange libraries with keynote speaker David Baldacci and the Saturday morning event with Keith Hernandez. Visit mapsobookfest. org for further information. Donny Levit is a journalist, writer, and author of Rock n' Roll Lies, 10 Stories. He is the editor of newpulpcity.com, an arts and culture website. Follow him on @donnyreports. Some of the featured authors at the Book Festival include: Opposite top, Anna Quindlen. Left, Tayari Jones. Above left, David Baldacci. Above right, Keith Hernandez. MAGGIE AXELROD-CALISTER call us at 973-821-3858 www.greenrootsorganic.com Locally owned and operated • Introducing• 15%off our seasonal lawn package for the first 50 pre-paid customers. 25%off our seasonal flea, tick and mosquito program. Services 7 Step organic lawn fertilization programs 100% Organic tick, flea and mosquito repellent programs Compost tea applications Aeration and overseeding Lawn Restoration and Revivals