Join Us for the 2026 James Weldon Johnson Literacy Festival!
The Friends of the James Weldon Johnson Branch Library, Inc. proudly present the 13th Annual Literacy Festival—an event dedicated to promoting literacy, fostering community, and inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Each year we distribute hundreds of books to attendees of all ages, with a special focus on the youth in our community.
This year’s festival theme, “Books and Badges,” highlights the importance of building trust, communication, and connection between our community and local safety officers. Throughout the event, attendees—especially children—will be encouraged to engage with City of St. Petersburg safety personnel in meaningful, positive ways that promote learning, curiosity, and confidence.
Our featured speaker will deliver an inspiring message centered on the power of reading and writing, further reinforcing our mission to nurture literacy and self-expression.
The 2026 Festival will also include our annual Walk for Reading, story time sessions, puppet shows, face painting, educational activities, and many more family-friendly experiences. To ensure a successful and impactful event, we invite the support of local businesses, organizations, and friends who share our commitment to literacy.
For registration questions or concerns, please contact Janis Smith at janmclsm@aol.com.