The Louisville Book Festival is a free, public literary event held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, that celebrates reading, writing, and the power of storytelling. It was founded by Deedee Cummings, a Louisville-based author, therapist, attorney, and literacy advocate, with a mission to promote diverse voices, literacy access, and community engagement. The Louisville Book Festival is a program of It Pays to Read, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charity.
It Pays to Read was founded in 2018 after Deedee made a profound discovery in her work with adolescents: not one of her teenage clients had ever chosen a book to read for themselves. This startling truth revealed a deeper issue—many young people were not simply disinterested in reading, they had never been given access, opportunity, or encouragement to see books as something created for them.
While exploring why some people view books as a source of joy and others do not, Deedee uncovered a stark divide in her own city—a literacy gap rooted in systemic inequality, where entire communities lacked access to books, reading spaces, and literary events. It Pays to Read was created to bridge that gap, promote reading for enjoyment, and show young people that books can be a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and hope. The Louisville Book Festival was created to call attention to the gap.
Key Highlights of the Louisville Book Festival:
📚 Mission and Vision
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The festival’s mission is to promote reading and writing while emphasizing literacy as a fundamental human right.
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It seeks to uplift underrepresented voices, including authors of color, LGBTQ+ writers, and writers from marginalized backgrounds.
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The festival provides a platform for both emerging and established authors to connect with readers.
🎉 What Happens at the Festival?
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Author panels, readings, and book signings
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Workshops on writing, publishing, creating worlds, and storytelling
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Children’s activities, including interactive story times and visits from costumed book characters
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Community partnerships with schools, nonprofits, publishers, and local businesses
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Family-friendly and accessible programming for all ages
🏙️ Community Impact
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Focuses on bridging the literacy gap in Louisville and beyond.
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Encourages families to read together and build a home culture of literacy.
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Partners with local organizations to distribute free books to children and families.
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Promotes the importance of fostering an environment where the free exchange of ideas is embraced and encouraged, empowering individuals to learn from one another and grow through dialogue and storytelling.
🧡 Why It Matters
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Literacy is a key predictor of educational and life success.
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The festival is part of a broader effort to create lasting change through equitable access to books and education.
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It aligns with the idea that books can be a form of community care and healing.
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By supporting open discussion and diverse perspectives, the festival nurtures a community that values community, curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
📍 Location and Timing
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Typically held in downtown Louisville at locations like the Kentucky International Convention Center.
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Often takes place in the fall and draws participants from across the region and authors from all over the country.
Note: The 2025 Louisville Book Festival will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center on Saturday, October 11th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.