Exciting New Book Festival Coming to Richland
Richland is about to get a fabulous literary treat! The Richland Library is gearing up for its very first book festival, dubbed Read Freely, set to take place from March 28 to 30, 2025, at its Assembly Street branch. This exciting event is sure to bring together avid readers, aspiring authors, and families looking for a fun way to connect with the world of books!
Why a Book Festival?
Lee Snelgrove, the library’s Arts & Culture Manager and former executive director of One Columbia, tells us that the library has seen a real surge in interest for author events. “The Library is seeing great growth and demand for author events,” Snelgrove shared. He emphasized the goal of the festival is to create a platform for authors to flourish and engage with their community. Getting readers and writers together? Sounds like a recipe for success!
Building on Previous Experience
Lee is not new to the festival scene. He played a key role in launching the highly praised Deckle Edge Literary Festival back in 2016. Drawing from that experience, Snelgrove and the library team are keen to make Read Freely a unique and enjoyable event for everyone. He noted, “We knew we wanted to do something, but we waited a bit and had a lot of conversations within the library system first.”
What Can Attendees Expect?
Since it’s taking place in a library, Read Freely will not only be about exploring literature but will also emphasize intellectual freedom—the freedom to choose what you read and enjoy! The festival will kick off with an edition of the library’s popular night-time series “Overdue,” featuring music, beer, wine, and tons of fun activities to set a festive mood.
Expect plenty of engaging activities throughout the festival, including a vendor space, food trucks, and interesting panels and talks with authors. The festival promises to offer a range of socializing opportunities as well, allowing visitors to mingle and share their love for literature.
Star Authors Lining Up
The library is making sure to highlight a diverse roster of authors, showcasing varied voices and perspectives. Some of the big names getting attendees excited are Brendan Slocumb, a nationally renowned mystery writer, and local poet DéLana R. A. Dameron, whose recent work is making waves. There’s also graphic novelist Mike Curato, whose graphic novel, Flamer, tells a touching story about a closeted gay teen in the Boy Scouts. These authors are not only popular but also have strong ties to the community.
Community Support
All Good Books, a charming bookstore in Five Points, will be the official vendor at the festival. They are teaming up with numerous sponsors, including the SC Humanities Council and the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, to ensure this event is a roaring success.
Getting Ready for a Literary Celebration
“We’re in a good spot with the structure of the festival, the timing of it,” Snelgrove remarked. With bookstores popping up and the literary scene buzzing, now is the perfect moment to bring the community together for a celebration of books and creativity.
So mark your calendars! Whether you’re a bookworm, aspiring writer, or just someone looking to spend a delightful weekend with family and friends, Read Freely promises to be an enchanting experience. Make sure you stay tuned for the full list of authors and the festival schedule! This is one event you won’t want to miss!
