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NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayOctober 29, 2026Hillsborough County

Cultured Books Literacy Foundation hosts the fifth annual ‘St. Pete Reads!’ literature festival in St. Petersburg

Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

The fifth annual free 'St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest' will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, featuring national children's authors, illustrators, book swaps, music, and workshops. Organized by the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, the family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration encouraged.

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Why It Matters

Residents gain access to a free community-wide children's literature festival featuring national authors, live music, and literacy workshops without any admission fee.

Key Facts

  • The fifth annual St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7.
  • The event is held outside at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida's Legacy Gardens, located at 2240 9th Ave S in St. Petersburg.
  • Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no admission fee, though registration is encouraged.
  • The event is organized by the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, a non-profit focused on strengthening South St. Petersburg's reading culture.
  • Featured performers include the Al Downing Jazz Association and Florida Orchestra violinist Mary Corbett.
  • Featured authors and illustrators include Layesha Walton, Carole Boston Weatherford, and Gregory Christie.
  • Activities include book swaps, music, workshops, illustrators, and children's storytelling.

Who's Mentioned

otherSt. Pete Reads! Lit Fest“Annual literature festival returning for its fifth year.”OrganizationAl Downing Jazz Association“Performing musical group at the festival.”OrganizationCultured Books Literacy Foundation“Non-profit organization organizing the festival.”OrganizationWoodson African American Museum of Florida“Full venue location at 2240 9th Ave S.”otherJazz Baby“Illustrated work by Gregory Christie.”PersonLayesha Walton“Children's author of 'Galaxy Girl'.”PersonGregory Christie“Award-winning illustrator.”PersonLorielle J. Hollaway“Founder of the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation.”PersonMary Corbett“Violinist from the Florida Orchestra performing at the event.”OrganizationFlorida Orchestra“Orchestra affiliation for violinist Mary Corbett.”OrganizationWoodson African American Museum“Host venue for the festival's Legacy Gardens.”PersonCarole Boston Weatherford“Children's Literature Legacy Award-winning author.”otherBlack Hands: Builders of Our Nation“Book authored by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Gregory Christie.”otherGalaxy Girl“Book written by Layesha Walton.”