Charleston, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is set to host a community-wide silent reading party on September 23 at Marion Square, organized by the Charleston Literary Festival. The free event will encourage attendees to bring their own books and enjoy quiet reading, followed by discussions in small groups. This event marks the kickoff for the upcoming Charleston Literary Festival, which will feature over 50 events and numerous authors in November. RSVP is required due to limited space, and attendees will have a chance to enter a giveaway to meet notable personalities.
Charleston will host a community-wide silent reading party on September 23 at Marion Square, organized by the Charleston Literary Festival in partnership with Reading Rhythms, a global organization dedicated to promoting quiet reading and social connection. The free event is open to the public from 6 to 7:30 p.m., but space is limited and requires an RSVP via Eventbrite.
Participants are encouraged to bring their current book, a picnic blanket or lawn chair, and friends to foster a relaxed environment. The evening will begin with a period of quiet reading, followed by small-group conversations to discuss the books and foster connections among attendees. Additionally, those who attend will be entered into a giveaway for an opportunity to meet renowned actress Reese Witherspoon and bestselling author Harlan Coben.
This silent reading party serves as the kickoff event for the Charleston Literary Festival’s 2025 season, scheduled for November 7 through November 16. The festival has announced a robust lineup of featured authors that includes Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Sack, journalist Max Boot, and acclaimed novelist Joyce Carol Oates. The festival is committed to showcasing diverse perspectives from both emerging and established writers.
The 2025 festival will include over 50 separate events featuring more than 70 authors from various genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, history, poetry, and memoir. Celebrating its ninth year, the festival will take place at the historic Dock Street Theatre in Charleston. In advance of the main festival, pre-festival events are set to feature prominent figures including Hoda Kotb on September 20, as well as Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben discussing their collaborative thriller on October 21.
Additional festival programming will include film screenings, a theater piece aimed at children, and specialized discussions tailored for educators and burgeoning writers. Ticket options for the festival include the Festival Insider Pass, priced at $750, which grants access to all events and exclusive parties. For a more luxurious experience, the VIP Literary Weekend Experience begins at $2,000 for one guest, providing a three-day literary extravaganza complete with perks such as private invitations to parties and museum tours. Attendees can also enjoy discounts on luxury hotel accommodations as part of the VIP experiences.
Full ticket sales will commence on September 4, 2025. The festival emphasizes in-person interactions to strengthen community bonds through literature and will feature a focus on global themes related to environmentalism, personal narratives, and contemporary social issues, which will be evident in the authors’ works and discussions throughout the programming.
FAQ
What is the date and location of the community silent reading party?
The community-wide silent reading party will take place on September 23 at Marion Square in downtown Charleston.
Is there a cost to attend the silent reading party?
The silent reading party is free to attend, but space is limited and requires an RSVP via Eventbrite.
What events are included in the Charleston Literary Festival’s 2025 season?
The Charleston Literary Festival’s 2025 season will feature over 50 separate events with more than 70 authors covering various genres, and will be held from November 7-16.
When will full ticket sales begin for the festival?
Full ticket sales for the Charleston Literary Festival will begin on September 4, 2025.
Key Features of the Charleston Literary Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Title | Community Silent Reading Party |
| Date | September 23, 2025 |
| Location | Marion Square, Charleston |
| Festival Dates | November 7-16, 2025 |
| Featured Authors | Kevin Sack, Max Boot, Joyce Carol Oates |
| Ticket Sales Start | September 4, 2025 |
| VIP Experience Price | Starting from $2,000 |
| Festival Insider Pass Price | $750 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Charleston Literary Festival Silent Reading Party
- Broadway World: Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben at Charleston Literary Festival
- Charleston City Paper: 2025 Lineup for Literary Festival
- Charleston Business: Reese Witherspoon to Attend Festival
- Post and Courier: Authors at Charleston Literary Festival 2025
- Wikipedia: Charleston Literary Festival
- Google Search: Charleston Literary Festival
- Google Scholar: Charleston Literary Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston Literary Festival
- Google News: Charleston Literary Festival
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