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Image for event: Unbound Book Festival: Quartez Harris

Unbound Book Festival: Quartez Harris

2026-04-18 11:30:00 2026-04-18 12:30:00 America/Chicago Unbound Book Festival: Quartez Harris At this Unbound Book Festival presentation, author Quartez Harris will explore the history of writer and activist James Baldwin’s favorite library. Learn why Baldwin would want YOU to find out what’s at your local library. Quartez is a poet and teaching artist. His newest book is "Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer." Book sales and signing to follow. Families, ages 5–10. Columbia Public Library - Children's Program Room

Saturday, April 18
11:30am - 12:30pm

Columbia Public Library

Children's Program Room

At this Unbound Book Festival presentation, author Quartez Harris will explore the history of writer and activist James Baldwin’s favorite library. Learn why Baldwin would want YOU to find out what’s at your local library. Quartez is a poet and teaching artist. His newest book is "Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer." Book sales and signing to follow. Families, ages 5–10.

Did you know that American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin was a library kid? He enjoyed going to the library three or four days a week! At this Unbound Book Festival presentation, author Quartez Harris will walk listeners through an exploration of the history of Baldwin’s favorite library, the 135th Street Library in Harlem, New York. He will discuss the special events that libraries put on, community resources they offer and how libraries have become invaluable to the community. Discover why Baldwin would want YOU to find out what’s at your local library!

Quartez Harris is a poet and teaching artist. His newest book is "Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer," which was recently named an honor book for the Robert F. Sibert Medal for the most distinguished informational book for children published in 2025.

Quartez will sign books after the presentation. Book sales provided by Skylark Bookshop.

Families, ages 5-10.

And don't miss our other Unbound children's author presentation: Chris Harris will also visit on April 18.

AGE GROUP: | School-Age |

EVENT TYPE: | Featured | Books & Authors |

TAGS: | Writing | Co-sponsored |

Columbia Public Library

Phone: 573-443-3161

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