Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Our annual Festival features more than 250 authors of the year’s best books and attracts 40,000 book lovers, and we also produce impactful programs across the state year-round.
The Story Behind Texas Book Festival
Our Mission
At Texas Book Festival, our mission is to connect authors and readers through experiences that celebrate literacy, ideas, and imagination. By offering access to diverse and high-quality literary programming, we foster more informed, empathetic, and inspired communities.
Our Vision
Through the annual Festival and year-round programming, we bring readers together with renowned authors to explore new ideas and broaden perspectives. We believe books enrich personal lives and contribute to the vibrancy of society by offering readers a deeper understanding of the world and themselves.
Our History
Founded in 1995 by Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a passionate group of volunteers, Texas Book Festival began as a celebration of Texas authors and a way to promote literacy and support public libraries. The first festival was held in 1996, and today, it is one of the premier literary events in the nation, featuring over 250 authors annually and drawing thousands of visitors to downtown Austin.
Over the years, the Festival has expanded to include writers from all over the world, while maintaining its deep roots in Texas literary culture. Our impact stretches far beyond the Festival Weekend — we’ve donated over $3.5 million to Texas public libraries and given more than 166,000 books to students through our Reading Rock Stars and Real Reads programs.
The work of Texas Book Festival is made possible by a dedicated team, including full-time staff, a board of directors, advisors, and volunteers. Our volunteers, interns, and generous supporters are the backbone of the Festival’s success, helping us deliver literary experiences to the public year-round.
We stand firmly in support of the freedom to read without restriction or censorship. Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers from all walks of life, advocating for unfettered access to literature. We support librarians, educators, and authors in their efforts to provide diverse perspectives and celebrate the joy of reading.
For nearly three decades, the Texas Book Festival has connected readers with authors, supported Texas libraries, and brought the joy of reading to students across the state. Your donation helps us keep the Festival free, fund literacy programs like Reading Rock Stars, and provide grants to libraries in every corner of Texas. Together, we can continue to inspire, educate, and foster a love of literature for future generations.
Join us in turning the page toward a brighter, book-filled future.
