Upcoming literary events in St. Paul, Minnesota, highlight the city’s commitment to storytelling and community engagement. Notably, local author Roger Barr will host a free benefit reading of his new holiday story, “Secret Santa Christmas,” on December 7. This event marks a continuation of a 28-year tradition in which Barr crafts a new tale centered around the fictional Bartholomew family.
The reading will support local food shelves, including the Hallie Q. Brown Community Food Shelf, for the 11th consecutive year. Since its inception in 1997 through the Villager newspaper, the Bartholomew series has addressed themes of family, morality, and social issues such as racism and poverty. Over the years, Barr’s efforts have generated nearly $100,000 in contributions to food shelves, showcasing the power of literature to effect change. The event will take place at 3 p.m. at the Kwame McDonald Studio in the St. Paul Neighborhood Network, located at 550 Vandalia St.
In addition to Barr’s reading, the BLACK AUTHORS EXPO will occur on December 2, offering a vibrant platform for family-friendly engagement. Themed “In These Inglorious Times… We create. We Innovate. We Liberate,” this free event aims to enhance literacy, particularly among children in underserved communities.
Scheduled activities include author meet-and-greets, a kids’ corner, a writers’ boot camp, and a creative writing workshop for teenagers. Notable participants will include poet and musician Joe Davis, as well as Emmy Award-winning actor and author T. Mychael Rambo. The expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minneapolis Central Library, located at 300 Nicollet Mall.
On December 2, author Anika Fajardo will discuss her new novel, “The Many Mothers of Delores Moore,” at 1 p.m. at Next Chapter Booksellers, situated at 38 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul. That same evening, Peg Guilfoyle will present her book, “An Eye for Joy: Noticing The Good World Everywhere,” in conversation with Minnesota poet Jim Lenfestey, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Comma Bookstore, 4250 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Additionally, K. Woodman-Maynard will unveil her graphic novel “Tuck Everlasting,” commemorating the 50th anniversary of the beloved book by Natalie Babbitt. This event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 5 at Magers & Quinn, located at 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis. Reservations are encouraged and can be made through their website.
These events collectively showcase the rich literary culture in St. Paul while supporting important community initiatives, emphasizing the role of storytelling in fostering connections and addressing social issues. As the holiday season approaches, these gatherings offer a timely reminder of the power of literature in bringing people together.
