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
