Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival March 7
More than 20 acclaimed and best-selling authors are coming to Fort Myers to talk about their books and meet fans at the 21st annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the downtown Fort Myers Regional Library campus, 2450 First St.
The Southwest Florida Reading Festival has a diverse line-up of nationally recognized authors for adults, teens and children. This free, fun event is loved by attendees who come back year after year. The fans attend to hear and meet best-selling authors, participate in contests and activities and find the latest and greatest in books, technology and accessories. In addition to author appearances and autographing sessions, there will be food truck vendors, storytelling programs, arts, crafts, youth writing and coloring contests and a free book for every child and teen.
“The festival invites popular authors to participate by sharing their real life experiences, thought processes and the evolution of their characters,” said Lee County Library System director Mindi Simon. “It is fascinating to hear the story behind the story.”
In addition to the daylong community event, Lee County Library System hosts a number of preview events at library branches leading up to the festival. Among the activities offered this year were book signings at various branches by New York Times best-selling authors Mary HoneyB Morrison, Chris Pavone, Peggy Rowe and Lisa Unger in addition to a Local Author Day featuring numerous independent authors at the North Fort Myers Library Saturday, Feb. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The highlight of the preview events will be An Evening with the Authors fundraiser March 6 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Marina at Edison Ford, 2360 West First St. in Fort Myers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with this year’s festival authors while enjoying a buffet dinner overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. Tickets were only available for purchase through Feb. 15.
The lineup of award-winning authors scheduled to attend the festival includes adult authors Jennifer Chiaverini, Lincoln Child, Michael Koryta and Erik Larson, as well as youth and teen authors Kate Messner and K.A. Holt. The complete list of authors can be found at www.ReadFest.org.
“We are really honored to share these authors with the community and provide readers and fans the opportunity to meet the writers personally and learn more about their work,” states festival organizer Melissa Baker. “This year we have an incredibly diverse mix of writers. We are proud that our festival lineup reflects the diversity in our community.”
The Southwest Florida Reading Festival is free and community-supported through donations, sponsorships and grants. To help ensure the continuation of this free community event, visit www.ReadFest.org to make a secure online donation.
More information is available at www.ReadFest.org or by calling 239-533-4832.