Cultured Books
Literacy Foundation
Natalie Daise reads her book Okra Stew at the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation annual the St. Pete Reads! Literacy Festival. Photo credit: Élan Vital Visuals
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books • culture • community
Our Mission:
We focus on creating spaces where youth and families can see themselves in literature and appreciate the diverse stories around them. Our programs are welcoming, interactive, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our neighborhood, inspiring a lifelong love for reading and learning.
Our Vision for South, St. Pete! :
To create a future where the Cultured Books Children's Museum of Literary Arts becomes a cornerstone of our community—a place where youth and families discover themselves in literature and celebrate diverse stories. Our vision includes welcoming local and visiting authors and illustrators to bring books to life through interactive workshops, engaging storytimes, book clubs, and rotating literary arts exhibitions. With aspirations to showcase work from renowned illustrators like Faith Ringgold, James Ransome, Rafael López, Anastasia Magloire Williams, and R. Gregory Christie, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning while honoring the rich cultural heritage of our community.
“My 7yo is working hard on her reading skills but enjoys books. She was excited to attend.”
St. Pete Reads! Literacy Festival | Parent Reaction
WeSTAYLit !
Inspiring readers and building community in South St. Pete.
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Celebrate National Family Literacy Month with us at the St. Pete Reads! Literacy Festival, officially recognized as St. Pete Reads! Day by the city of St. Petersburg! We connect youth and families with authors and literacy resources to support their reading journey.
Made possible through the financial and in-kind support of The Woodson African American Museum, Florida Humanities, The St. Petersburg Library System, the Gobioff Foundation, St. Petersburg College, and the Pinellas Community Foundation.Join us for this annual event on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at The Woodson! #BringTheFam
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MLK: DREAM POWER | Letters From St. Pete
There is Power in DreamsWrite your own letter sharing dreams for yourself, your school, and our community. Drop off your letter at a Letter Drop-Off location, or email it to dream@culturedbooks.org. We’ll present all letters to Mayor Ken Welch and city officials to make our voices heard.
Let’s combine our power to turn words into visible change. Write your letter today! 📝 #DREAMPOWER
Created by Ray Grace, 2020
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Read About It: Bringing Books to Life in Tampa Bay
Read About It is a vision by Cultured Books to turn stories into real-life adventures through book-inspired field trips across Tampa Bay. This web series concept connects readers with the local culture and landscapes that reflect the stories we read, making literature an interactive, unforgettable experience for youth and families alike.
Watch here: Read About It on YouTube
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The Art of Literacy
Cultured Books Literacy Foundation's pop-up gallery showcasing art inspired by the literary arts.
The Art of Literacy Residence Program
From 2021 to 2022, Cultured Books Literacy Foundation hosted The Art of Literacy Residence Program, where artists engaged the community by bringing books to life through their craft. Featured artists included Yuki Jackson, LaTreca Ali, Eyeconic Boykins, and more.
This project was made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Pinellas, and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners..
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The Int’l Children’s Film Series at The Royal brought art house and international films to life with books, light refreshments, and meaningful discussions. Held every second Saturday before #ArtWalk, this series offered families a chance to connect with stories from around the world.
Supported by Deuces Live St. Pete, we’re working to bring this experience back in Fall 2025
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St. Pete Reads!
Lit Fest
St. Pete Reads! Literacy Festival Photo credit: Élan Vital Visuals
November 1, 2025
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida
St. Petersburg, FL
Celebrate National Family Literacy Month with us at the St. Pete Reads! Literacy Festival, officially recognized as St. Pete Reads! Day by the city of St. Petersburg!
We connect youth and families with authors and literacy resources to support their reading journey!
MEET OUR BOARD
Board Members
India Torrez
Miriam Pardoll
Dulani Porter
Dawn Goddard
Josie Caglianone
Brooke M. Harris
Youth Advisors
Nadia J. Hardy
Ava J. Hardy
“I dream big, I dream wide about how Cultured Books can nurture the #literacylifestyle within south St. Pete! Then I call on my commUNITY to help make those dreams a reality.”
- Lorielle J. Hollaway, Mama + Founder
Lorielle, with two of her three daughters, Nadia and Ava. Photo credit Grace Studio.
Our Impact
Since its inception in 2018, Cultured Books Literacy Foundation has connected over 700 families with local and national authors, fostering a vibrant community around literary arts. Through initiatives like the annual St. Pete Reads! Literacy Festival, we inspire a love for reading, motivate engagement with literary arts, and introduce families to enriching programs. Each year, youth and families meet celebrated authors and illustrators such as Winsome Bingham, Derrick Barnes, Greg Neri, Anastasia Magloire Williams, and Nicole D. Collier, creating lasting memories and sparking a passion for stories and culture.
News & Press
Read about our work in The Weekly Challenger, Tampa Bay Times, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, and more!
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support
Shop • Collaborate • Donate
Our Impact: Literacy in Action
Authors Featured: Over 40 authors have joined our events, including Winsome Bingham, Greg Neri, Tameka Harris, Anastasia Magloire Williams, Stephanie Claytor, Calvin Reynolds, Derrick Barnes, and Corinne Gaile.
Youth Engagement: Hosting 10+ workshops annually, we inspire youth through storytelling and creativity.
Community Reach: We collaborate with key partners, including with the St. Petersburg Library System, Competitive Readers Coalition, and the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, we amplify literacy and celebrate diversity.
Your support creates opportunities for learning, growth, and unity!
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Explore our curated selection of books that celebrate culture, diversity, and community. Shop now and support literacy in South St. Pete!
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Have an idea? Let’s partner to bring literary-inspired programs and events to life. Together, we can make intentional impact!
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Your donation fuels programs that connect youth and families to books, culture, and community. Donate today to support our mission!
• books • culture • community
• books • culture • community
Marquis Davis of Shaping The Early Mind Inc. reading Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions during BLC: Breakfast, Literacy, Community
Sign up for our newsletter to learn about our book-inspired programs, family events, and community updates.
Stay connected as we bring books and culture to life in South St. Pete!
Cultured Books
Literacy Foundation, INC.
EIN# 853637622 | 833 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | stpetereads@culturedbooks.org