An Evening with the Authors
5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Meet and mingle with the festival’s bestselling authors.
Proceeds support the Southwest Florida Reading Festival scheduled for March 1, 2025.
Events
Name a Character Raffle
Enter for a chance to name a character after yourself or a friend in an upcoming book by Renée Ahdieh, Kristy Boyce, Tracy Clark, Jenny Colgan, Nicole D. Collier, Alison Gaylin, Ali Hazelwood, R.J. Jacobs, Stephen Mack Jones, Elinor Lipman, Sarah MacLean, Kate Messner or Karyn Parsons.
Price:
$10 per single chance
$20 for three chances
$50 for 10 chances
$100 for 25 chances
Enter to Win Today!
Meet the Author: Jennifer Coburn
2-3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17
An engaging author presentation and book signing featuring Jennifer Coburn. Copies of her latest novel “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” will be sold at this event (credit card only).
Free Registration Required
Creative Stations
1 - 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17
The Northwest Regional Library will be highlighting authors Kate Hannigan, Molly Idle, Megan McDonald and Kate Messner with writing and craft stations all around the Youth Services area. All supplies provided.
Youth Author Visit and Art Lesson
4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18
Join artist and author Carolyn Gora as she presents her book “The Almost True Story of the Birds of Paradise.” After the story, participants will receive a short art lesson. Supplies will be provided. Copies of Ms. Gora’s books will be available for purchase.
Book Discussion: Reading Festival Edition
2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20
An open book discussion focused on the talented Reading Festival authors coming to Southwest Florida March 1. Choose from any of the numerous children, young adult and adult authors. Share your thoughts on their works before attending the festival to hear the authors talk.
Storytime Fun for Everyone
11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22
A special storytime celebrating favorite children and teen authors presenting at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. Enjoy stories and readings from the authors’ books, family games and crafts.
Meet the Author: Jean Kwok
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Join us for an engaging author presentation and book signing by Jean Kwok. Copies of her books will be sold at this event by the Friends of South County Regional Library.
Free Registration Required.
Aspiring Authors Writing Contest
Spring 2025
The deadline for entries is Monday, February 3, 2025
Any Lee County student in grades K-12 is eligible to enter. Each grade level will be judged separately. There is a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner in each category if there are enough excellent submissions.
Closed to Entries
Partner Events
Aspiring Authors Writing Contest
Spring 2025
The deadline for entries is Monday, February 3, 2025
Any Lee County student in grades K-12 is eligible to enter. Each grade level will be judged separately. There is a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner in each category if there are enough excellent submissions.