SBF Presents: Conversation with SBF Board Member Virginia Brown

Savannah Book Festival Board Member Virginia reflects on her time with SBF.

SBF: When did you join the SBF Board of Directors?  

Virginia: I joined in June 2025.

SBF: How long have you been attending SBF? 

Virginia: I served as a volunteer at the 2025 Savannah Book Festival and was impressed by its scope and quality. I recognized the Festival’s unique opportunity for readers to interact with authors, hear new ideas, and connect with fellow readers sharing similar interests.

 SBF: What is your favorite element of SBF?

Virginia: The conversations. Not only do we gain access to new and experienced authors, we also have the opportunity to hear new ideas from throughout the country.

SBF: Do you have an unforgettable moment with an author from the 2026 Festival?

Virginia: I introduced speakers at two very different sessions and was fortunate to witness their shared excitement. Both authors were thrilled to be invited to speak. Their sincere joy spoke not only to the quality of the Festival and our community, but also to the realities of being an emerging author. While writing in different genres, both speakers echoed humility and gratitude for the opportunity to be heard—an opportunity the Festival provided them.

SBF: What is your go-to genre? What are you currently reading?

Virginia: I am a curious reader who reads across many different genres with an eye for learning. This summer I reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, finding insights I missed in my previous readings. Now I am reading  The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett to learn more from the author of  The Help. In my future reading stack, I have a book about the impact of ChatGPT and a new release by a self-published author. I love the diversity of books.

SBF: Who would you love to see at SBF 2027?

Virginia: Savannah inspires the arts throughout the year. I would like to see informal, small gatherings held year-round to encourage conversations based on books written by presenting authors at the upcoming Festival.

SBF: What does SBF mean to you?

Virginia: The Savannah Book Festival is not only an opportunity for readers to meet and hear the authors they admire, but also a space for readers of all genres to gather for civil conversations with mutual respect.