Literary festivals offer a unique proposition to libraries: host one, bring the reading public up-close and personal with writers of all kinds, and they will bask in the glory of that connection. Indeed, festivals can be the pathway for libraries to "own" the literary niche in their community. Bob Cannon, executive director of the Broward County Library, Fort Lauderdale, FL, founded the Novello Festival of Reading more than 14 years ago when he was director of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County, NC, and helped nurture its early years. He says in this time of unprecedented competition, libraries can use literary festivals to secure their role as the ultimate connection among readers, authors, and books. This article provides a brief description of library festivals and their importance to libraries.