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Local Authors Festival 2026: Meet Lonesome B. Augustine at Salem Church Library (May 23)
May 23 @ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Local Authors Festival returns to Salem Church Library on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Black American author, U.S. Veteran, and Christian speaker Lonesome B. Augustine will appear as a featured author-vendor with signed books, conversation, and community. Admission is free; no registration required.
Local Authors Festival 2026: Quick Details
- Event: Local Authors Festival
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Salem Church Library, 2607 Salem Church Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
- Admission: Free – no registration required
- Host: Central Rappahannock Regional Library (LibraryPoint)
- Audience: Adults and older adults; family-friendly
- Featured author: Lonesome B. Augustine
- Official listing: View on LibraryPoint
What Is This Community Event?
This is a free community gathering that brings Central Virginia readers together with the writers in their own backyard. Hosted by the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the gathering offers book signings, author meet-and-greets, resources for aspiring writers, and light refreshments. If you love discovering new books, asking authors the questions you can’t ask in a bookstore, and supporting independent voices, this is the must-see literary gathering in Fredericksburg this May.
What to Expect
At this year’s gathering you can browse and purchase books by Central Virginia writers, get books signed and personalized, talk shop with working authors about craft and publishing, and pick up flyers, bookmarks, and recommendations. The event is welcoming to longtime readers, curious browsers, families, and writers looking for community.
Meet Lonesome B. Augustine
Lonesome B. Augustine is a Black American author, U.S. Veteran, and Christian speaker whose work explores faith, legacy, identity, and redemption. His writing is rooted in lived experience and honors the realities, struggles, and triumphs of Black American life through purpose-driven storytelling.
His signature keynote, From the Ghetto to God’s Grace, has inspired church congregations, men’s groups, and community audiences across the country. At his table on May 23, he’ll have signed copies of his novels – ready to chat about Black history, faith, and the craft of telling stories that matter. Learn more about Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he lives and writes.
Books You Can Get Signed
ICE: A Story of Love, Crime and Politics
A gripping novel that weaves love, moral complexity, crime, and political consequence into a faith-tinged narrative of ambition and accountability. Perfect for readers of literary crime fiction with a moral compass. (Paperback, $16.00.)
Dark Prairie: Forged by Blood, Bound by Choice
A Black Western that honors unsung Black cowboys with a fast-paced action narrative and deep emotional roots. Readers who love High Horse: The Black Cowboy will feel right at home in these pages. (Paperback, $15.00.)
You can also browse all books in the shop or explore the full portfolio.
How to Get to Salem Church Library
Salem Church Library – the Salem Church Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL/LibraryPoint) – is located at 2607 Salem Church Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407, in Spotsylvania County, just minutes from I-95. The branch offers free on-site parking and is fully accessible. For current operating hours and directions, visit the LibraryPoint website.
Why Attend the Local Authors Festival
Festivals like this one are how small literary communities stay alive. You leave with signed books, new authors on your radar, conversations you’ll think about for weeks, and the satisfaction of putting your money directly into a writer’s hand. For Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and greater Central Virginia readers, this is the most accessible way to discover regional voices and support the local literary scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the event free?
Yes. Admission is free and open to the public. No registration is needed.
What time does it start and end?
It runs from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Salem Church Library in Fredericksburg, VA.
Will books be available for purchase?
Yes. Authors bring their own books to sell and sign. Lonesome will have ICE: A Story of Love, Crime and Politics and Dark Prairie: Forged by Blood, Bound by Choice at his table.
Where is Salem Church Library?
At 2607 Salem Church Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 – just off I-95 in Spotsylvania County.
Can I get a signed book from Lonesome B. Augustine?
Absolutely. Stop by his table on May 23 between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM and he’ll personalize a copy for you or a loved one.
Who hosts the event?
The gathering is hosted by Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL), also known as LibraryPoint, which serves Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties in Virginia.
Save the Date
Mark your calendar: Saturday, May 23, 2026 – 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM – Salem Church Library. Share with friends and family who love books, and get in touch for updates on future book signings and speaking engagements.