Salem Literary Festival Goes Virtual For 11th Year

SALEM, MA — A year ago, the 10th annual Salem Literary Festival drew more than 400 attendees for 60 authors over three venues in the city.

Starting Thursday, this year's festival will be entirely virtual due to the coronavirus health crisis.

The Lit Fest "aims to inspire and promote literacy and a love of books and reading by creating connections through sharing stories." It typically includes readings and panel discussions at historic sites across the city, but that could not happen this year due to the virus.

It primarily includes local and regional authors who recently published work.

Those attend must register for each session or panel individually by going here with each session a stand-alone Zoom session.

The even begins with an opening conversation Thursday night at 7 and a keynote presentation from author Kiley Reid on Friday night. Panels continue throughout the day on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Registration can be done here.

The Salem Athenaeum has been the primary presenter of Salem Literary Festival since 2017.