The 2024 Virginia Festival of the Book is set to take place from March 20-24 in Charlottesville, VA with a weekend full of exciting events, literary discussions, presentations, author readings and more. VPM is proud to serve as a sponsor of this year's festival and participate in the celebration.
New to the celebration this year is “Festival Friday,” which will be held on Friday, March 22 on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. From 5 to 6:45 p.m., VPM’s Charlottesville headquarters (225 East Main Street Charlottesville, VA 22902) will host Moderator Readings, where attendees can hear from several different authors. Jeffrey Dale Lofton will emcee the panel of moderators, which includes Rosa Castellano, Karen Chase, Rachel McRady, Kiki Petrosino, Jennifer Robin Barr, Davey Strattan White, Emily Thiede, Kalela Williams and Aran Donovan. Festivalgoers are encouraged to begin their Friday evening at the Omni Hotel, where they'll be able to pick up a map of events, hot cocoa and cookies beginning at 5 p.m.
"VPM and the Virginia Festival of the Book both seek to bring communities together,” said Kalela Williams, director of the Virginia Center of the Book. “I'm thrilled that we can showcase the talent of Virginian authors during this Festival Friday event!"
The Virginia Festival of the Book brings together writers and readers to promote and celebrate books, reading, literacy, and literary culture. Hosted by Virginia Humanities' Virginia Center for the Book, the festival offers dozens of book-centered events from Wednesday, March 20 through Sunday, March 24 (and even some preview events around the state in the days leading up to the festival).
Both VPM and the Festival aim to make literary education accessible to readers of all levels and interests by engaging audiences with diverse opportunities to broaden their perspectives. The goal is to inspire a deeper connection in our communities through these experiences.
"As a local storyteller with a focus on arts, culture, and education, VPM is excited to support the Virginia Festival the Book,” said Terri Allard, VPM Charlottesville education and engagement manager. “Connecting the community through literary entertainment, conversation and inspiration aligns with our mission and makes for the perfect partnership."
For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit VaBook.org.