Author of The Indigo Scarf and founder of the Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia (WCONA) to lead featured discussion
WILLIAMSPORT, PA — Lycoming Arts will present the Storytellers Book Fair on Friday, May 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pennington Lounge at Lycoming College, bringing together local and regional creatives for an evening of connection, conversation, and community.
A highlight of the evening will be a featured discussion with author PJ Piccirillo, who will speak from 4:30 to 5:00 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 nineteenth 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,” shares Debi Smith Burch, President of Lycoming Arts.
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
Event passes are $25 and include one “Novel Treasures” raffle ticket and one door prize entry. Proceeds benefit Lycoming Arts and support its mission to strengthen the local arts community.
For more information or to purchase passes, visit:
www.lycomingarts.org/stories
(Please note: this event is designed for adults; children are not permitted to attend or host booths.)
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About Lycoming Arts
Lycoming Arts believes the arts are the creative expression of all aspects of human experience, enhancing our shared legacy. 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
