About Us - Lehigh Valley Book Festival

The Lehigh Valley Book Festival is a celebration of books and the strong connections they forge – bringing published authors, illustrators, and readers together, through thoughtful, approachable, and inclusive programming. Our mission is based on the notion that reading is for everybody – and that people of all ages and interests can find something to spark their imagination, broaden their perspective, and nourish their spirit in a book.

Media Inquiries: Call 610-928-8600 

Mission: The Lehigh Valley Book Festival is a celebration of books and the strong connections they forge – bringing published authors, illustrators and readers together, through thoughtful, approachable and inclusive programming. Our mission is based on the notion that reading is for everybody – and that people of all ages and interests can find something to spark their imagination, broaden their perspective and nourish their spirit in a book.

Executive Team

JOSH BERK,  Venue Director, Bethlehem Area Public Library 

Josh Berk is the director of the Bethlehem Area Public Library and author of the middle-grade horror/comedy CAMP MURDERFACE series co-written with Saundra Mitchell, mysteries Strike Three You’re Dead and Say It Ain’t So as well as the teen novels The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin (named a best book for teens of 2010 by Kirkus Reviews) and Guy Langman: Crime Scene Procrastinator (2012).

KIRSTEN HESS, Festival Director

Kirsten is the owner and founder of Let's Play Books Bookstore and the Lehigh Valley Book Festival. Kirsten spent the first 15 years of her adult life in major events & leadership development in higher education and Fortune 50 companies in the Washington DC area prior to realizing she likes playing with books a whole lot more. 

THERESA HEGEL,  Co-Marketings & Community Communication Committee Chair 2023

NATASHA LEWIS, C0-Marketing & Community Communication Committee Chair 2023

AMANDA RUSSELL, Co-Chair Event & Volunteer Committee Chair 2023

LUCY MCLEOD, Co-Chair, Event & Volunteer Committee Chair 2023

TARA SANTORO, C0-Chair, Children's Committee 2023

JEN GRIMA, C0-Chair, Children's Committee 2023