Stepping inside Richland Library, a crowd of people move through the first floor. As attendees walk farther in, they go down an indie author alley and see authors promoting their books. The library has been transformed into a convention hall where book lovers can find anything from surprise books to author panels.
The Richland Library Main serves as a community hub within Columbia. For its second year, it was also the host of the Read Freely Fest, a free book convention featuring 40 nationally and regionally acclaimed authors, panels, interactive activities and an indie author alley from March 27-29.
The festival began in 2025 out of an increased desire from readers for author events. The library has a goal of meeting the cultural, social and educational needs of the Richland community, according to Kiosha Boyles, marketing and communications director for Richland Library.
“It was an opportunity to bring authors and readers together in one space,” Boyles said. “Giving the authors a platform to connect directly with their audiences and giving their audiences the opportunity to meet their favorite authors, as well as be in a space of fellow book lovers.”
The festival is a celebration of not only books, but the local talent Columbia and the Midlands have. Richland Library looked for a diverse range of voices and genres. A new addition to the Read Freely Festival was a “Meet Your Next Favorite Author” event, which is a speed-dating style panel to help attendees find new authors.
Authors speak on their writing at the Richland Library's Read Freely Fest on March 29, 2026. Sunday was the last day of the book-centered community event.
Richland Library created the Read Freely Fest for all book lovers, from history to poetry to romance. The festival includes indoor and outdoor spaces with local performers and food vendors. The event also features a book sale.
“It is a way, an opportunity, to engage with fellow book lovers, and it celebrates Columbia,” Boyles said.
Sadie Bellamy, a first-year music student, attended the Read Freely Fest to see her favorite author, Tiffany D. Jackson. Jackson writes young adult novels in the horror and mystery genres.
Bellamy’s favorite part of the Read Freely Fest was the indie author alley. The indie author alley was a lineup of authors showing off their books and interacting with interested attendees.
“It's just really interesting and really fascinating me to see the different books that people have written,” Bellamy said.
Arlene Marturano, who writes nonfiction gardening books for children, was an author in the indie author alley. Marturano has been gardening since she was 5 years old in Illinois.
At her table, Marturano had gardening crafts for children who want a quick reward. She also explained how seeds in eggshells could be planted. Marturano noticed that people, especially students at USC, eat a lot of fast food. She came up with the idea of Fresh Fun Fast Food Gardens to get students eating healthier.
“Gardening is very much a moving thing,” Marturano said. “And movement and learning are inseparable. It helps you learn how to walk, how to talk and how to move your fingers.”
Another author was Fa'apepele Hunkin. Her memoir “H.E.A.R.T. of a Warrior” explores the grief and adversity Hunkin endured throughout her life and how she overcame it with her faith. In addition to her book, she also has a coloring book inspired by her story.
“Everything, all the setbacks, everything that I have been through, I have learned to color that comeback gracefully and beautifully and, of course, unapologetically,” Hunkin said.
More information about the Read Freely Fest can be found on its website, including authors for those interested in finding new reads.