Once again, the Southwest Florida Reading Festival was held in downtown Fort Myers on March 1st, 2025, making it their 26th annual festival.
It started in 1999 and has continued to expand over the years. Originally, it was held in Centennial Park as a modest event, but it has grown into a literary attraction bringing all kinds of authors and many attendees from all over.
“I took my eldest daughter the first or second year the festival began. We picked out our free book and then spent most of our time in the craft tent. I remember more vendors than authors during that first year, but maybe that was because sitting in a hot tent with a squirming toddler was not my idea of fun,” said National English Honors Society Advisor Mrs. DeKoff.
The festival featured 26 authors, including Ali Hazelwood, Robert B. Parker, and Karen M. McManus. They also offered activities such as author presentations, book signings, crafts for children and teens, and live performances.
“Once my eldest was getting too old to enjoy the event, my youngest was ready to join the fun. Then, as a member of the NEHS, Savannah was able to transform from patron to volunteer,” said DeKoff. “This was the third year the NEHS was able to share their love for reading as volunteers for the festival.”
All in all, this reading festival, even according to Readfest.org, is to celebrate the importance of reading, bring esteemed literary talent to the community, and promote lifelong learning by raising awareness of library services.