Richmond is lucky to be home to numerous literary events and literary institutions. Authors often present their work at area book shops and writers’ groups, giving book lovers a chance to hear from storytellers and learn about their subject matter as well as their craft. You can hear about great fiction and nonfiction works at Richmond’s many book oriented events. Or go solo and just lose yourself browsing through the stacks at one of these bookshops or the region’s many public libraries. Happy reading.

The Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street, Richmond, VA 23223

•Weekly readings of Edgar Allen Poe’s work on Sunday at 12:30 pm

•“UnHappy Hour” ironically celebrating the author (Monthly)

The Poe Museum’s annual Birthday Bash is the largest birthday party for Poe in the world! This event will feature tours, live music with the Embalmers, readings, book talks, theatrical performances, and more. The event is from noon to midnight on January 18, 2020 at the Poe Museum! See the full schedule and get tickets now:
https://poemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/16733-poe-s-211th-birthday-bash

Events at area bookstores:

Chop Suey Books, 2913 W Cary St, Richmond, Virginia 23221 – (804) 422-8066 –

Critically acclaimed authors Lamar Giles and Meg Medina (2019 Newbury Medalist andNew York Times Bestselling author of Mercí Suarez Changes Gears) discuss Lamar’s latest contemporary masterpiece Not So Pure and Simple.
Two-time Edgar Award Finalist Lamar Giles delivers his first contemporary YA—an eye-opening novel that spotlights societal pressures, confronts toxic masculinity, and begs the question: what does it mean to be a “real man”?
Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since forever, and now she’s finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. His best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe any girl is worth the long game. But Del’s not about to miss his shot. Again. That’s where Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word, and with other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move ASAP. With all this plotting and scheming, Del never really stops to think what does Kiera want? No matter, though—once he gets the girl, he’s sure it will all sort itself out. Right? Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2 PM – 4 PM at the Richmond Public Library Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia 23219

Book People, 536 Granite Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23226 – (804) 288-4346 –

Sat. Jan., 18, 2020 at 4pm – Virginia writers J. Thomas Brown and John Maxwell will be reading from their historical novels about strong women in history.. John Maxwell is a chef and Virginia television personality. Although his culinary career has taken him around the world, he and his wife, Judy, make their home in Richmond, Virginia. His novels Susanna, Mother of Columbus and Phillippa, Wife of Columbus look at the world of Christopher Columbus through the eyes of the women in his life. John takes what truths can be discovered about Columbus before his first voyage and weaves a narrative that gives voice to these incredibly strong women.

Fountain Bookstore, 1312 E Cary St., Richmond, Virginia 23219 – (804) 788-1594

Authors Mesha Maren and Randall O’Wain will discuss class and Appalachia on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 6:30 PM – 8 PM at the Fountain Bookstore

Richmond Book Shop, 808 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA

Little Book Shop, 1318 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, Virginia 23113

Storytime at The Little Book Shop in Midlothian

Richmond Comic Book Stores

Library Systems Events:

• Richmond Public Library
• Henrico County Public Library
• Chesterfield County Public Library
• Hanover County is part of the Pamunkey Regional Library system

Literary events at area colleges and universities:

•University of Richmond

University of Richmond Writer’s Series – The Writers Series is designed to expose Richmond students, the greater university community, and city residents to some of today’s most celebrated writers.  Readings are free and open to the public, though seating is on a first come, first served basis.  Each reading will be followed by a Q&A session and book-signing.  The Writers Series is sponsored by the Department of English and the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.  Campus partners this year include the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, the Robins School of Business, the university Cultural Affairs Committee, WGSS, and the WILL* Program. For more information about the series, please contact the English Department at (804) 289-8287 or dstevens@richmond.edu.

•Virginia Commonwealth University

Check VCU’s calendar and social media for public author and book events. VCU James Branch Cabell Library events.

Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad St. Richmond, VA 23219

Book groups, presentations, research events, history events, workshops

James River Writers

JRW is a multi-faceted non-profit organization based in Richmond, Virginia, that serves as central Virginia’s literary hub and a welcoming home for anyone who loves the written word. Aspiring and professional writers and passionate readers in all genres benefit from a variety of programs, services, and events, often presented in partnership with other cultural organizations. We are supported by government grants, foundations, corporate partners, and the generosity of our members.

Writers Wednesday: Meets the second Wednesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Writers Wednesday brings together authors of every genre in a casual atmosphere to connect, laugh, and revel in a well-deserved break from keyboards and screens. Free and open to the public, this laid back meet and greet, held at Ardent Craft Ales in the Scott’s Addition neighborhood in Richmond.  Open to the public, perfect for members, and a great entry point for those new to JRW. Bring a friend! Details: https://jamesriverwriters.org/writers-wednesday/

Learn about more Richmond literary events. And don’t forget to check the list of the Top FREE Things to Do in Richmond for more great ideas for learning and expanding your mind and engaging in hands-on activities.

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