The North Texas Book Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)3 corporation that was organized in 2000 by a group of individuals, led by children's author Lynn Sheffield Simmons, to help school and public libraries and literacy programs in the North Texas area. Since its beginning, more than $45,000 in grants has been awarded to deserving programs.

The first festival was held in May 2001 on the Crystal Parking Lot of Texas Motor Speedway; the following year, Southlake Town Center was the venue. In 2003, the festival moved to Denton and was held in the Denton Civic Center until 2007, when it moved to its current location, the Center for Visual Arts. This spacious yet intimate multipurpose facility is also the venue for the Book Trails Dinner, which began in 2005 as a time for fellowship and relaxation with the featured festival authors, other participating authors, and the community. In 2010, due to an extraordinary response, the Festival was moved to the Denton Civic Center. Click on "Registration Forms" to download the registration form for authors participating in the festival, and for a reservation form for the Book Trails Dinner.

In 2007, the first annual North Texas Book Festival Book Awards were presented. This award recognizes excellence in books published by their authors or by small, independent publishing companies. Click on "Registration Forms" for more information and to download the entry form.

Organizations such as school or public libraries, or literacy programs for children or adults may apply for grants of up to $1,000. Click on the "Grant Application" button at left for more information and to download the form.


Standing: Gary Johnson, Gene Wright, Dr. Larry Simmons.
Seated: Crystal Wood, Wanda Wright, Stephen McKenzie and "Cornelius", Lynn Sheffield Simmons.
Not pictured: Katherine Boyer, Emory Bishop Brincks.

2009-2010 Board Of Directors
President Dr. Larry Simmons 1st Vice-President, Book Festival Chairman Crystal Wood 2nd Vice-President, Membership Katherine Boyer	3rd Vice-President, Publications Lynn Sheffield Simmons 4th Vice-President, Project Research Gene Wright 5th Vice-President, Underwriting Gary Johnson	6th Vice-President, Volunteer Services Stephen McKenzie Secretary Emory Bishop Brincks Treasurer Wanda Wright