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.

Events at area bookstores:

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

Chop Suey Books: 2913 W Cary St, Richmond, Virginia 23221

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

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

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.

Chet’la Sebree – Tuesday, November 19, 7 PM
Commons, Carole Weinstein International Center
Chet’la Sebree graduated from the University of Richmond in 2010—an alumna of English, Creative Writing, and the WILL* program.  Her first book, Mistress, won the 2018 New Issues Poetry Prize and will be published in October 2019.  Judge Cathy Park Hong notes that “Sebree runs from—and faces—the dark looming historical forces of miscegenation, enslavement, and the abjection of the black female body. The ghost of Sally Hemings as aberration, as mistress, determines the speaker’s id; tugs at her solitary fantasies; a violent erotic invasion that she inverts and turns on its head with lines etched in rage.”  Sebree was the 2014-2016 Stadler Fellow at Bucknell University and has received fellowships from MacDowell, Yaddo, and the Richard H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies.  In 2019, she will return to Bucknell as Assistant Professor and Director of the Stadler Center for Poetry and Literary Arts.  Her appearance at the University of Richmond is also part of the 2019-20 WILL*/WGSS Speakers Series.

•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

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)

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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