Read Freely Fest

09/10/2026

Be part of Indie Author Alley, Exhibitor Hall or the Zine Fair at Read Freely Fest, April 2-4. We’re looking for writers, creators, and brands who are ready to share their work and connect with our community.

Submit your application at ReadFreelyFest.com under the "Get Involved" tab.

08/31/2026

We’ve got plans for next spring 📖 Read Freely Fest returns April 2–4, 2027. Save the date!

08/21/2026

A concert bassoonist, a spy and a mermaid walk into a book festival… 📚

We asked a few Read Freely Fest 2026 authors what they’d be if they weren’t authors—and may have found two new Richland Library employees in the process.

06/20/2026

We’re proud to share that Richland Library and Read Freely Fest have been nominated in four categories for Free Times' Best of Columbia awards:

Best Annual Event or Festival (Read Freely Fest)
Vote here: https://bit.ly/4aehRgK

Best Use of Public Funds
Vote here: https://bit.ly/4oIBBz8

Best Art Gallery
Vote here: https://bit.ly/4aehRgK

Biggest Improvement in Columbia This Year (Read Freely Fest)
Vote here: https://bit.ly/4oIBBz8

Voting is open now through June 26. Thank you to our community for recognizing the ways we work to enhance quality of life and support learning, creativity, and connection across Richland County.

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.