Newnan Carnegie Library Foundation (NCLF) brings Southern LitFest to downtown Newnan every other year, and looks forward to holding the fourth LitFest in conjunction with the 250th birthday of the United States of America. Set for June 5-6, 2026, this edition of Southern LitFest carries the theme: Read All About It – Journalists turned Authors, Saluting the First Amendment.

The goal of this fan-favorite event is to foster a love of reading and showcase the many diverse programs the Carnegie offers free to patrons of all ages year-round. LitFest is made possible through grants and individual and business sponsors, enabling NCLF’s completely volunteer organization to financially and physically support programming our beloved Carnegie.

In 2024, LitFest attracted more than 1,000 people from 11 states and 54 cities. The 2026 LitFest promises to be just as entertaining and successful.

On June 5, we present three journalists-turned-authors with ties to Newnan: Angela McRae, Jeff Bishop and Kathryn Smith. Beth Neely, publisher of The Newnan Times-Herald, will moderate the panel discussion. Afterwards, authors will meet with guests and sell and sign their books. Hors d’oeuvres will be available along with a cash bar.

This program is funded by an America250 grant from Georgia Humanities.