Read Freely Fest

05/15/2026

We asked some Read Freely Fest authors their comfort books or go-to rereads.

Drop yours below ⬇️

04/25/2026

Today is Independent Bookstore Day, and we’re giving a big shoutout to our festival bookstore partner, All Good Books.

Year two of the festival grew larger than we could have imagined, and they’ve been with us every step of the way, helping bring it all to life.

We’re also celebrating some well-deserved news: All Good Books is now South Carolina’s first B Corp certification independent bookstore. B Corp certification recognizes businesses that balance profit with purpose, meeting high standards for social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency.

If you’ve been meaning to stop by, this weekend’s the time!

04/24/2026

It’s been one month since Read Freely Fest 2026 📚

From packed panels to buzzing signing lines and Overdue, watch the recap and relive the weekend—where stories find good company.

04/21/2026

Today we celebrate National Library Workers Day.

Read Freely Fest happens because of the library staff who plan panels, coordinate authors, secure sponsors, organize the book sale, set up chairs, and welcome every attendee with care. That list only scratches the surface of what it takes to make the festival happen.

We are grateful for the team behind the scenes and out front who make this festival and our library what it is.

04/06/2026

04/02/2026

This energy 🙌 If you were there, we’d love to hear from you. Take the attendee survey at the link in bio.

04/01/2026

Thank you, volunteers.

More than 150 of you showed up for Read Freely Fest, giving over 400 hours to help bring the weekend to life, from welcoming guests to assisting with crafts and making sure books were prepped and ready for signing.

We couldn’t have done it without you.

03/29/2026

Sunday at Read Freely Fest 📸

03/29/2026

The story continues today! Doors open at 10 a.m. First author panels begin at 12:30 p.m.

03/28/2026

Flipping back through today 📖

12/03/2025

We are saddened by the passing of DéLana R. A. Dameron. As one of our inaugural Read Freely Fest headliners, she brought a generosity and sense of place that helped shape the heart of this festival.

Her novel Redwood Court, set in Columbia, reflects the depth of her connection to this community. Her writing offered a thoughtful and grounded look at family, home, and the people who shape us.

We are holding her family, friends, and readers in our thoughts. Her voice, her work, and the impact she made here will be felt for a long time.