St. Paul Celebrates Literature with Holiday Reads and Community Events

An upcoming week in St. Paul will spotlight local authors and community engagement through various literary events. The schedule features a blend of readings, discussions, and a family-friendly book fair, all aimed at promoting literacy and supporting local causes.

Roger Barr, a St. Paul author, will host a free benefit reading of his new holiday story, “Secret Santa Christmas,” on December 7, 2023, at 3 p.m. This event is part of a longstanding tradition that began 28 years ago, where Barr crafts a new holiday story about the fictional Bartholomew family. This reading also marks the 22nd year of organizing a benefit to support local food shelves, including the Hallie Q. Brown Community Food Shelf, which has been a recipient for the past eleven years. Since its inception in 1997 in The Villager newspaper, the Bartholomew series has addressed significant themes, including family relationships, morality, and social issues such as racism and poverty. The stories have raised nearly $100,000 for food shelves over the years, making a meaningful impact in the community.

Family-Friendly Book Fair and Author Discussions

On December 9, 2023, the Minneapolis Central Library will host the Black Authors Expo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Under the theme “In These Inglorious Times… We Create. We Innovate. We Liberate,” the event aims to enhance literacy among children, particularly in areas facing educational disparities. Attendees can expect a range of activities, including author meet-and-greets, a kids’ corner, a writers’ boot camp, and a teen creative writing workshop.

Notable participants include T. Mychael Rambo, an Emmy Award-winning actor and author, and Joe Davis, a poet, musician, and art educator. The expo promises to engage the community in a celebration of literature and creativity.

In addition to the expo, Anika Fajardo will discuss her new novel “The Many Mothers of Delores Moore” at 1 p.m. on December 9, 2023, at Next Chapter Booksellers. Her work reflects contemporary narratives and adds to the diverse voices in literature.

Another highlight will occur on December 7, 2023, when Peg Guilfoyle presents her book “An Eye for Joy: Noticing The Good World Everywhere” at 6:30 p.m. at Comma Bookstore. Guilfoyle will engage in conversation with Minnesota poet Jim Lenfestey, offering insight into the themes of her work.

For graphic novel enthusiasts, K. Woodman-Maynard will introduce her adaptation of “Tuck Everlasting,” published on the 50th anniversary of Natalie Babbitt’s bestselling book. This event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 5, 2023, at Magers & Quinn. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP through the bookstore’s website.

These events reflect St. Paul’s vibrant literary scene and commitment to fostering community connections through the written word. The combination of holiday storytelling and educational initiatives underscores the power of literature to inspire and unite.