By Kalela Williams
On March 22, 2026, Virginia Humanities’ Virginia Festival of the Book closed on another successful year. It was a year of nearly 100 programs and almost 150 authors and special guests, and thousands of attendees converging in Charlottesville. With the focus on “Revolutions,” we gave our Festival a new spin, taking up a greater footprint along Charlottesville’s downtown mall, Main Street area, and points beyond.
Many may remember last May, when Virginia Humanities shared the unfortunate news about NEH funding cuts, when we weren’t sure exactly what the festival would look like. But we knew it would be joyous and impactful. And it was, because of you.
It was because of our authors and special guests, who shared their talent and their stories, who came from across the country, from across the Atlantic, or from down the street. It was because of our moderators, many of whom were featured authors themselves, who devoted themselves to read authors’ books and to share their insight. It was because of our volunteers, who gave of their busy schedules and their weekend to join us, for the love of books. It was because of our partners, who brainstormed programs, who offered their venues, who worked with us and made things happen! It was because of our bookshops, who made sure shelves were stocked and ready. It was because of our sponsors and donors, who shared their generosity and their passion for community. It was because of Virginia Humanities staff, who all came together for the festival; and with a very special thanks to Jennie Taylor and Ray Nedzel, who worked so hard, day, night and weekends—and dreamed so big.
And it was because of you. As part of the Festival of the Book community, whether you’ve been attending for years, or whether this was your first time here; whether you booked a hotel and traveled to be here, or whether you stopped into an event after hearing about us, or watched one of our live-streamed events, we are grateful for you, and we want to hear about your experiences, and we hope you’ll enjoy pictures from 2026. And most of all, we hope you come back in 2027!
We’ve faced challenges, but the Virginia Festival of the Book is a forever festival. Thanks for being here with us for another year!
