Lorielle J. Hollaway, a St. Petersburg native, is a community-based researcher and cultural programmer. She founded Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on literary arts programming and community engagement.
Hollaway created and directs St. Pete Reads! Lit Fest, an annual literacy festival that connects children and families with authors, illustrators, artists, and community organizations. She also leads the St. Pete Reads! Study, a multiyear community-based research project examining literacy engagement and reading as a lived cultural practice in South St. Petersburg.
Her work focuses on children's literature, community history, storytelling, and creating programs that bring people together around reading. She has curated literary arts programming, including the Art of Literacy Residency and International Children's Film Series. She also co-directed Read About It, a pilot literary web series recognized by the Sunscreen Film Festival and Black Art & Film Festival.
In 2026, Hollaway was selected for a literary initiatives internship with the Library of Congress, where she supported literary programming and national public engagement efforts, including the National Book Festival. She serves as an appointed member of the City of St. Petersburg Arts Advisory Committee and as a member of the Friends of the James Weldon Johnson Community Library, where she supports the Friends’ annual literacy festival and summer programming.
Hollaway earned a bachelor's degree in global studies with a focus in anthropology from Florida International University. She is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Cultural Administration, with a concentration in Tribal Museum and Cultural Centers, at the Institute of American Indian Arts.
Hollaway's love of reading is rooted in childhood memories, including Sunday walks with her sister to get the St. Petersburg Times, reading the American Girl: Addy book series, and spending summer days reading through her father's comic book collection. Hollaway hopes to create the kinds of experiences that make people want to pick up a book, share a story, and enjoy reading together.
Experience
Literary Initiatives Intern, Library of Congress
Summer 2026
Supported literary programming and communications at the Library of Congress, including the 2026 National Book Festival. Researched authors and publishers, organized book and author information, and wrote, edited, and fact-checked website content, author biographies, and event descriptions. Contributed to the Bookmarked blog.
Arts Advisory Committee Member, City of St. Petersburg
2025–2028
Serve on the city’s Arts Advisory Committee, providing community perspective on arts and culture and supporting efforts to expand equitable access and representation.
Project Director, St. Pete Reads!® Initiative
2021–Present
Lead St. Pete Reads!, a South St. Petersburg-centered literacy initiative that brings together community research, public programming, and storytelling to better understand how people experience literacy and culture. The initiative grew out of conversations with residents and continues to create opportunities for people to connect through books, reading, and the literary arts.
Founder & Creative Director, Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, Inc.
2017–Present
Founded and lead Cultured Books Literacy Foundation, a literacy and cultural arts nonprofit working with children, families, and community partners in South St. Petersburg. Oversee the organization’s creative direction, programming, partnerships, and community-centered initiatives.
Education
Master of Fine Arts in Cultural Administration
Tribal Museum and Cultural Center Administration
Institute of American Indian Arts
2026–2028
Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
Anthropology
Florida International University
2026
Projects
Read About It | 2020
Co-directed a pilot literary web series connecting books with locations throughout the Tampa Bay region. Recognized by the Sunscreen Film Festival and Black Art & Film Festival.