Annual reading festival to welcome array of authors
The Lee County Library System will welcome over two dozen authors at its 27th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Myers Regional Library.
Readers of all ages can meet their favorite writers, hear behind-the-scenes stories and get books signed at the free, outdoor event. Created to celebrate the power of reading and promote literacy and library services, the festival inspires readers by introducing them to nationally acclaimed best-selling authors.
“I have been a part of this festival since the very first event and I love how it continues to grow and change to reach our community in new ways,” Lee County Library System Director Mindi Simon said.
This year’s author lineup includes more than dozen bestselling writers. Wally Lamb and Brad Thor are among the most anticipated adult authors, along with Rachel Gillig, Kristin Harmel, Sarah Pekkanen, Lisa Wingate and more. Teen and adult rom-com writer Lynn Painter is back by popular demand after an appearance in 2024. Children can meet picture book and youth creators such as Dan Gutman, of the “Rappy the Raptor” and “My Weird School” series, and Greg Pizzoli and Stephen Shaskan.
To address the popularity of the authors and expected long lines for book signings, the event will roll out a text-based line-management tool this year. Attendees will be able to use the festival’s mobile app or scan a QR code posted at the event to join virtual book signing queues. This will allow fans to enjoy more presentations and festival activities while they wait for text alerts to line up in the signing tent.
“We are thrilled to launch a new virtual queue process for book signings this year,” festival coordinator Melissa Baker said. “After one of our authors had a line wrapping out to the street last year, we knew we had to find a better way for attendees to spend more time enjoying the event and less time standing in line.”
In addition to the featured authors, the event has expanded the local author marketplace to feature over 20 Florida-based authors signing their books. Other interactive activities for all ages will include library technology and e-resource demonstrations, local author showcases, storytelling, arts and crafts, youth writing awards, festival merchandise and a variety of food vendors.
The festival will provide a free book to each child and teen in attendance, as well. Funding for the program is made possible by a charitable gift from sponsor Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.
“The library is grateful for the funding from Suncoast, which supports literacy in the community and helps to instill a love of reading among our youngest attendees,” Baker said.
The festival is free and community-supported through donations, sponsorships and grants. Funding is provided in part through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the Jacarlene Foundation.
For more information, visit www.ReadFest.org or download the “SWFL Read Fest” mobile app.
The Fort Myers Regional Library is 2450 First St., Fort Myers.