There is a certain kind of excitement that can only be found at a book festival. Readers wander from one title to another, authors share the stories behind their work, and unexpected discoveries happen simply because someone decided to pick up a book. That sense of curiosity and connection is what makes the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 such a special literary gathering. Taking place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival brings together people who share a love for books while creating opportunities to discover new authors, explore different perspectives, and celebrate the many stories that bring communities together.
The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 concluded last September 26–27, 2026, marking the festival’s 21st anniversary. The main celebration transforms downtown Winston-Salem into a lively destination for readers, featuring author panels, readings, book signings, exhibitors, vendors, food trucks, and activities for visitors of all ages. The festival also welcomes young readers with a dedicated children’s area where children can participate in activities and receive free books, making the celebration an experience that families can enjoy together.
Literary festivals such as Bookmarks offer something that cannot always be found through a simple visit to a bookstore or an online search. They create a space where readers can encounter books in a more personal way. A panel can provide insight into an author’s creative process, a book signing can turn a title into a memorable keepsake, and an unexpected conversation can lead a reader toward a story they might never have discovered otherwise. It is this combination of literature and human connection that continues to make book festivals valuable to the publishing community.
Among the titles proudly represented by Citi of Books at this year’s festival is “Economic Governance Technology” by Peter G. Hammerschlag. The book offers readers another distinctive voice to discover and reflects the variety of stories and perspectives found within our publishing community. We are excited to introduce this work to the festival audience and give visitors the opportunity to explore the author’s ideas, experiences, and creative vision through the pages of the book.
“Economic Governance Technology” by Peter G. Hammerschlag is a nonfiction work that presents an ambitious proposal for rethinking how modern economies are understood, managed, and guided. The book combines ideas from economics, science, technology, engineering, logic, and basic human values to propose what Hammerschlag calls a new form of economic governance technology. Rather than viewing the economy solely through traditional economic theories, the author approaches economic problems from the perspective of someone with extensive practical experience in engineering, manufacturing, project management, and business.
His central premise is that modern technological capabilities, combined with systematic analysis and practical reasoning, could help societies create economies that are more productive, stable, and equitable. The book specifically envisions a system capable of supporting full employment and a fairer distribution of wealth while reducing the likelihood and severity of major recessions, depressions, and extreme fluctuations in interest rates.
What makes the book distinctive is its attempt to present economic governance as something that can be approached almost like an engineering problem: identify how a system actually functions, observe the available evidence, understand its weaknesses, and develop practical mechanisms for improving its performance. Hammerschlag argues that such an approach could remain useful even when economies face major technological changes, natural disasters, or epidemics.
“Economic Governance Technology” is a thought-provoking invitation to reconsider the way societies approach economic management. Peter G. Hammerschlag draws upon decades of engineering and business experience to propose that modern science, technology, logic, and fundamental human values can be combined into a more systematic approach to economic governance. Whether readers ultimately agree with all of his conclusions or approach them as ideas for debate, the book encourages them to question established assumptions and consider alternative ways of addressing unemployment, inequality, economic instability, and technological disruption. Its accessible presentation also makes the subject approachable for readers who may not have formal training in economics.
For anyone interested in the future of economic systems and the possibility of using technology to create greater stability and fairness, Economic Governance Technology offers a distinctive and ambitious perspective.
Citi of Books at Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 — celebrating authors, discovering new perspectives, and giving more stories the opportunity to find their readers.