LiteracyNation Hosts the Third Annual Indie Author Book Fair at the West Philadelphia Container Village

Yesterday, LiteracyNation Inc., a non-profit dedicated to supporting independent writers, hosted its 3rd Annual Book Fair at the 4th District Container Village. 

The free outdoor festival drew local families and avid readers for a day of books, live entertainment, and community networking.

Designed to celebrate diverse and underrepresented voices, the fair showcased dozens of independent authors across virtually every genre, including children's literature, young adult fantasy, inspirational nonfiction, poetry, and romance. Attendees engaged directly with creators during author spotlights, stage readings, and book signings.

“Independent authors remind us that great stories don’t wait for permission to be told” said Richard  E. Ashby, Jr., President-Pennsylvania Library Association 2026. “They find their way into the world, one reader at a time.” 

Here are of some of the authors who tabled at the fair. 

• M.S. Masood (msmasoodbooks.com) – a bold reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin that examines the transformative power of names, identity, self-growth, and love, all while delivering fast-paced action and a slow-burn romance. Just agent signed.

• Sharif B. Abdullah – Author of poetry, prose and short stories to reflect a more spiritual and positive vibe.

• Dr. Elechi Osueke (drosueke.com) – An educator and children's book author who crafts engaging, educational picture books, including The Kids Who Wouldn't series, that use humor, suspense, and relatable stories to teach young readers about responsibility and consequences.

• Marc W. Polite (politeonsociety.com) – Founder of Polite On Society, an author and showing off his chapbook of original poetry.

• Dr. Stanley Andrisse (fromprisoncellstophd.org) – The anthology “Breaking Chains, Building Futures,”published by Wiley, is a dozen motivational and inspirational stories centered around incarcerated individuals whose lives underwent significant transformation.

• R.E. Trout (retroutbooks.com) – A Teen/YA Mystery author. His series kickoff “Enemy of the Future” is about a teen Trip Stewart who wants to stay invisible. But when he’s paired with the most popular girl in school for a class project, his quiet life explodes.

• Kingsley H. Smith (facebook.com/Kingsley.H.Smith) – An entertaining new memoir, "Powerhouse Radio: Rough Roads, Radiance, and Rebirth."

• D. B. Watson (https://www.instagram.com/fakesubmite/) – Independent writer. A Thrillers/ Suspense M/M series called The Two Timer. First book in the series is “The Harlequin.”

• Torrie Q. Jones (https://www.rebornthebookseries.com/about-the-book)  – Fantasy and speculative fiction author showcasing two titles with a third on the way.

• Eartha Watts Hicks (https://earthatone.com/) – Award-winning author, publisher, and literary advocate delivering fiction and self-help works aimed at empowering indie creators.

• Joey Pettine (joeypettine.com) – a lifelong lover of monsters whose contributions to the horror genre showcasing his debut novel “Sid.”

• Shenell Tolson – Author and advocate. A scientist, educator, and the author behind the Noa the Little Scientist series—STEM-powered books that inspire young readers to explore science, health, and the world around them.

• Jibril Stevenson (jibrilstevenson.wordpress.com) – Muslim themed western and Civil War novels and short fiction. His new book release “Death in Sonora” (June 9, 2026) was published by  Saladeen Books.

• G.S. Lakshmi (mahomandalia.com) – When two friends help a lost elephant calf, they open a gateway to a world where courage tests the heart and truth lights the way. Beneath every challenge, Mahomandalia reveals that love, faith in one another, and belief in ourselves are the truest forms of magic — and that being truthful isn't just the path to success, it is the greatest victory by itself.

• D. Jay Holmes (djayholmes.com) – Epic fantasy series. It follows a group of three long-time friends and career mercenaries that are searching for a fresh start.

• VB Ruth – Author of The Citizen of Eastport (The Eastport Ledgers, Book 1), offering readers an intriguing mystery/drama narrative series.

  
  

Beyond the literary showcases, the festival featured dynamic family entertainment. The website boasted three main attractions: Sistah Mafalda, a high-visibility performance stilt walker; The Irish Dancers Margaret and Matthew; and Magic Ed (Ed Schmitt), an award-winning magician and balloon artist. In addition, there was a lineup of Philadelphia food purveyors and local artisan vendors.

LiteracyNation, an affiliate of the American Library Association, organized the event as part of its ongoing mission to champion indie authors and expand access to diverse literature. Organizers highlighted the festival's role in amplifying self-published writers while providing West Philadelphia families with an accessible cultural celebration.

For more information about LiteracyNation, check out their website at literacynationinc.org.