The Lake Erie Literary and Storytelling Festival was started in 2023 by Erie Art Company under the name of Washington Irving Literary Festival. In 2024, Erie Art Company partnered with Werner Books and Coffee to produce the newly rebranded Lake Erie Literary and Storytelling Festival. In 2025 we have partnered with Mabel Howard, Werner Books, ECGRA, and the Erie Library. We have just started to create this years festival. Goto our new website for more information.

To Read is to Disrupt 

LIT FEST WEBSITE

The Demand for the Erie Art Company’s Lake Erie Lit Festival

The Erie Art Company Lake Erie Lit Festival (LELF)) addresses a significant need for literary and cultural enrichment within the Erie community. This report outlines the demand for such a festival, highlighting the problem it aims to solve and the rationale behind its creation.

Erie Art Company’s Mission and LIT Goals

The Erie Art Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the Erie community through creative placemaking and fostering the sustainability of creative processes 1. LELF aligns with this mission by providing a platform for literary expression, community engagement, and access to diverse storytelling experiences. The festival’s unique approach combines arts and technology initiatives, setting it apart from other literary festivals and enriching the cultural landscape of Erie 1.

LELF aims to:

  • Showcase readings and performances from various literary disciplines.
  • Offer interactive workshops with experienced storytellers on topics such as comedy, poetry, community theater, and self-publishing 4.
  • Create a vibrant marketplace featuring authors, books, and local artisans 3.
  • Provide a dedicated children’s area to foster a love of reading among young people with activities like crafts, book giveaways, and story times 4.

Reaching young people and fostering a love of reading early on is crucial for literacy development and lifelong learning. By providing engaging activities and access to authors, LELF aims to inspire a passion for literature in the next generation 4.

Need for Literary Festivals in Erie, Pennsylvania

While no specific feasibility study, needs assessment, or survey explicitly recommended the creation of LELF, the festival addresses several evident needs within the Erie community:

Limited Access to Literary Events

Erie currently lacks a dedicated literary festival that brings together authors, readers, and the broader community. Existing events, such as the Great American Book Sale 5 and the Creative Writers Reading Series at Penn State Behrend 6, while valuable, do not offer the comprehensive programming and community engagement of a full-fledged literary festival.

Lack of Opportunities for Author Interaction

LELF provides a unique opportunity for Erie residents to interact with authors, poets, and storytellers from diverse backgrounds. This direct engagement fosters a deeper appreciation for literature and encourages creative expression within the community.

Need for Community Building Initiatives

LELF serves as a vital platform for community building and cultural enrichment. By bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds, the festival strengthens community bonds and promotes a shared appreciation for the arts.The partnership with Werner Books and a grant from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) have been instrumental in supporting the festival’s expansion and relocation to a larger venue 3. This collaboration demonstrates community support and highlights the growing demand for LEAF.