Courant.com

The Harlem Book Fair, which first came to Hartford last year as part of the One Book for Greater Hartford community reading program, will return Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hartford Public Library.

Along with exhibitors such as independent presses, small presses, children's publishers, book, arts, cultural materials and food vendors, not-for-profit organizations and self-published authors, there will be workshops, author talks, presentations, children's programs and music.

Jabari Asim, author of "The N Word: Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn't and Why," will be the keynote speaker. Deputy editor of the Washington Post's Book World, Asim also writes a syndicated column on popular culture and has contributed to Essence, Salon, the Los Angeles Times, the Village Voice, and other publications. His book delves into the history of "the N-word" as a slur against black Americans, but also discusses those who understood its history, such as Mark Twain, Dave Chapelle and Mos Def.

There also will be a creative storytelling workshop for adults with storyteller Cleo Duke-Wright, music by Tierra Mestiza and an open-mic soundstage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with spoken word and recording artist Charmagne Tripp.

The fair, in its ninth year, was founded by Max Rodriguez, founder and publisher of QBR: The Black Book Review. It is, he said last year, "a public stand and statement for literature and literacy."

The fair will be held at the Hartford Public Library, 500 Main St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free.

Exhibitors must fill out an application form and pay a registration fee. They will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for exhibitor placement at the event is Aug. 15.

For information, call 860-696-6324.