What Publishers Partner With The Ohio State Library For Events?

I've been following library events for years, and the Ohio State Library often collaborates with some big names in publishing. They’ve worked with Penguin Random House for author signings and book launches, especially for popular fiction and non-fiction titles. Scholastic is another frequent partner, particularly for children’s and YA events, bringing in authors like Rick Riordan or graphic novelists. Local presses like Gray & Company also pop up, showcasing Ohio-based writers and regional history. The library’s partnership with HarperCollins stands out too—they’ve hosted everything from literary panels to exclusive previews of upcoming releases. It’s a great mix of national heavyweights and hometown heroes.

For niche genres, smaller publishers like Tor (sci-fi/fantasy) and Kodansha (manga) occasionally join for themed events, which really draws in the anime and gaming crowd. The library’s website usually lists upcoming collaborators, so it’s worth checking regularly.

As someone who attends Ohio State Library events regularly, I’ve noticed their partnerships are super diverse. Big publishers like Macmillan and Simon & Schuster frequently team up for major book tours—think bestselling authors like Colleen Hoover or Brandon Sanderson. But what’s cool is how they also highlight indie publishers. For example, Two Dollar Radio, an indie press based in Columbus, has co-hosted readings and workshops, bringing fresh voices to the forefront.

Academic publishers get in on the action too. Oxford University Press and MIT Press have participated in lecture series, especially for topics like history or tech. And let’s not forget graphic novels: Viz Media and Dark Horse Comics have done signings, which totally thrilled the cosplay community. The library even partners with university presses (Ohio State’s own press included) for scholarly talks.

What’s neat is how these events cater to different crowds. Kids’ days might feature Abrams or Chronicle Books, while romance fans get Harlequin collabs. The library’s Instagram often teases upcoming partners—last spring, they hinted at a team-up with DC Comics for a Batman anniversary. It’s this blend of genres and audiences that makes their events so dynamic.

I love how the Ohio State Library’s events bridge gaps between readers and publishers. They’ve had long-standing ties with Hachette Book Group, which brings in heavy hitters like James Patterson or Nora Roberts. But they also shine a spotlight on mid-sized publishers—Sourcebooks, for instance, has hosted fun romance-centric panels, and their ‘BookTok’ nights are packed.

For manga and anime fans, Yen Press and Vertical Comics have dropped by, offering early releases and artist Q&As. And if you’re into cookbooks or crafts, Chronicle Books’ workshops are a blast. The library doesn’t just stick to print, either—Audible has partnered for audiobook previews, complete with live narration demos.

Local collaborations rock too. Belt Publishing, which focuses on Rust Belt stories, has co-hosted gritty, real-talk discussions. It’s this mix of global reach and local love that keeps the events fresh. Pro tip: their newsletter breaks down who’s coming next, so you can plan ahead.