From March 28-30, the Richland County Public Library will host its first annual Read Freely Festival. It is free to attend and will take place at Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street in downtown Columbia.
The festival will feature a variety of experiences such as panel discussions with bestselling authors, exhibits, a book sale, and other festivities. The opening event, Overdue at Read Freely Fest, will begin at 7 p.m. on March 28 and will feature interactive artwork, crafts, performances, music, and food until 11 pm. This event is only open to those 18 or older.
Saturday and Sunday will consist of panels with local authors at different locations and times. The panels will discuss topics such as mystery fiction, poetry, civil rights history writing, book banning, and more.
During the weekend, the festival will also include exhibits and tables hosted by local organizations, artisans, and booksellers, such as Literacy SC, Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization, Jessica Ream Studio, Queer Haven Books, and the University of South Carolina Press.
The Richland Library Friends and Foundation will host a book sale in the rear parking lot of the library. The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Visit readfreelyfest.com for additional information on panels, sales, and featured events.
