Philadelphia's Black Literature Book Fair Celebrates 30 Years of Uplifting Black Stories

The annual event provides a platform for Black authors and illustrators to connect with young readers.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair, a 30-year-old event that celebrates Black stories and authors, continues to draw large crowds of families and young readers. The fair's organizer, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, says the event's mission is to "give children access and choice to what they buy and what they read." Attendees and supporters, including local politicians, emphasize the importance of providing children with diverse books that reflect their experiences and inspire them.

Why it matters

The book fair plays a vital role in promoting literacy and representation for Black youth in Philadelphia. In a city where access to diverse literature can be limited, the event offers a space for children to discover books by Black authors and illustrators, fostering a love of reading and a sense of cultural pride.

The details

The Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair features a wide range of Black authors and illustrators, offering attendees the opportunity to meet the creators, purchase their books, and have them signed. The event has received support from local organizations, businesses, and city officials, who recognize its importance in celebrating Black stories and empowering young readers.

  • The Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair has been held annually for the past 30 years.
  • The most recent edition of the event took place on February 9, 2026.

The players

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati

The organizer of the Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair, who has been running the event for the past 30 years.

Jaylene Clark Owens

An author who appeared in the WHYY TV series "Albie's Elevator" and wrote the children's book "A Black Girl and her Braids," which was inspired by her viral 2021 poem.

Guy Sims

The Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Free Library of Philadelphia, who praised the book fair as a "great opportunity to have a diverse bounty of materials for people."

Katherine Gilmore Richardson

A Philadelphia City Councilmember who has supported the book fair for over 20 years, continuing the tradition of sponsoring an annual resolution affirming the council's support for the event.

Kendra Brooks

The Philadelphia City Council Minority Leader, who believes that reading is a "tool to help children explore a world that they may never see and give them the opportunity to want more."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a diverse audience. You see both Black and white people; they want to know about Black history. The more you learn, the more we co-exist.”

— Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, Organizer, Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair (whyy.org)

“I wish that I had something like this as a child, but I'm so grateful and thankful that our babies have it now. I hope more and more people continue to support this event and to support Black authors and illustrators.”

— Jaylene Clark Owens, Author, "A Black Girl and her Braids" (whyy.org)

“When I look out, I see me. I see that little kid wanting to know who I am. For me, that's what this is. It's about an opportunity to give back.”

— Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, Organizer, Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair (whyy.org)

What’s next

The Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair is expected to continue its annual tradition, providing a platform for Black authors and illustrators to connect with young readers in the city.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Black Literature Book Fair's 30-year legacy demonstrates the power of representation and the importance of giving children access to diverse literature that reflects their experiences. The event's continued success highlights the community's commitment to supporting Black stories and nurturing the next generation of readers and leaders.