BOOK & AUTHOR EVENT

Book & Author Event is a well-loved literary event that brings the Richmond community together every spring with six nationally-known authors and their exciting new books. Now in its 81st year, the Book & Author event is the longest-running event of its kind in the nation. 

Since the end of World War II, Richmonders have gathered in the spring to celebrate the love of reading and the tradition of writing. Born of a creative partnership between the Junior League of Richmond (JLR) and Miller & Rhoads in 1947, the best and the brightest of the literary world descend on Richmond each year for the Book & Author Event, where they discuss their creative process, inspirations, and latest best-sellers. Previous authors include Robert Frost, Mary Higgins Clark, and Emily Henry (and so many more)! 

Year after year, the event draws sellout crowds, leading it to become the longest running event of its kind in the country. We are now excited to welcome you to relax with a good book, engaging conversation, old and new friends, and a warm cup of CaryTown Teas tea in our refreshed afternoon tea format. 

For a look back through the years, watch our video!

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This year’s featured authors and books are:

• Emily Carpenter – A Spell for Saints and Sinners
• Bruce Holsinger – Culpability
• Brigid Washington – Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef
• Elaine Weiss – Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools that Built the Civil Rights Movement
• Bobby Hicks– Retro Recipes: Vintage Dishes with a Modern Twist
• Debra Curtis – Laws of Love and Logic

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Events, Tickets, and Books Information

Main Event – Afternoon Tea

The Junior League of Richmond invites you to be a part of the longest running event of its kind as we celebrate the 81st Annual Book & Author Event on the afternoon of Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the Jepson Alumni Center’s Robins Pavilion at the University of Richmond. The event will once again be hosted by Bob Deans. Registration check in begins at 1:00 P.M.

Tickets are sold out. If you would like to be added to our waitlist, please complete this form by Sunday, May 10, 2026.

We invite you to step into our world of tea and elegance. While we do not have a dress code, we encourage our guests to lean into the magic of the afternoon. Think garden party chic: floral prints, pastels, hats, fascinators, and your favorite tea dresses.

We will feature a curated selection of Carytown Teas served with classic savories, fine pastries, and traditional tea accoutrements. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Books

The Junior League of Richmond is once again partnering with local business,  Fountain Bookstore, Inc. all the event’s book sales. Books are now available to order. Please note, book orders for currently available books will take between 7-10 business days to be fulfilled. Orders with pre-order books will be available for pick up at the in-person evening event. Notification for order pick up will be dispatched only after the arrival of all of the ordered books to ensure a consolidated and efficient process. We are so thankful for Fountain’s support of our Book & Author Event and the Junior League of Richmond throughout the years.

All event tickets, tables, and book orders are non-refundable.

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Interested in being a Sponsor?