Book it to Richland Library this weekend to check out Read Freely Fest as it returns for year two.
The festival runs Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, activating every corner of Richland Library Main — inside and out — with a full weekend of author talks, panels, live music, and a zine fair.
Overdue
Kick off Read Freely Fest on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m. with Overdue, an 18+ after-hours celebration. The evening features live music from Admiral Radio and 2 Slices, plus hands-on art, workshops, and creative activities that fill the library after dark — from zine-making and collage to an open mic with Soda City Poetry and a community mural in progress. Food and drinks will be available from Curiosity Coffee Bar.
Author talks
On Saturday and Sunday, go beyond the page with author discussions across three stages: the main stage, auditorium, and theater. The schedule is packed with more than 20 sessions throughout the weekend, including headliners:
Kennedy Ryan — Saturday, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m., outdoor main stage
Tiffany D. Jackson — Saturday, 4–5 p.m., outdoor main stage
Drew Lanham — Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., outdoor main stage
Sadeqa Johnson — Sunday, 12:30–1:30 p.m., outdoor
main stage
Kirsten Miller — Sunday, 2-3 p.m., outdoor main stage
Book sales
Browse the exhibitors to discover curated selections of books, handcrafted goods, and art. Local independent bookseller All Good Books will help you find your next favorite read while showcasing books by the event’s authors. You can also venture into Indie Author Alley to meet local authors and purchase their books.
On Saturday + Sunday, the Richland Library Friends and Foundation Book Sale will pop up in the library’s rear parking lot. Search for pre-owned books and take them home by the bagful.
Food, fun, and entertainment
If you’re just going to Read Freely Fest for the authors, you’re only getting half the story. Aside from Overdue, the whole festival is family-friendly, with kid’s activities in the Children’s Room on Saturday + Sunday.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll find plenty of interactive fun like creative workshops, poetry readings, yard games, and group discussions. Live music will also take the stage, with performances from The Morel Support Group, Angela Easterling, Brittany Turnipseed, and John Fowler.
Don’t forget to fuel up during the festival — local food trucks will be on-site on Saturday + Sunday.
