Our Story
We are dedicated to broadening the way children see themselves and others by bringing books to
life through literary and cultural programs.
Lorielle J. Hollaway Founder + Dreamer
Hey good people!
I'm Lorielle — a St. Pete native, mama of three, and a lover of art and culture.
In 2018, I founded the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation in South St. Pete, nurturing a reading culture that connects to the ways we've always told our stories: through storytelling, song, art, and the traditions that make us who we are.
I love creating with and for my community, and I'd love for you to be a part of it. Come read and grow with us.
Favorite reads growing up: The Addy Books, My dad's comics, Teen Vogue
The Board
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Miriam Pardoll
Favorite childhood book: Ira Sleeps Over
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Dulani Porter
Favorite reads growing up: Beezus and Ramona books, Fudge/Super Fudge, James and the Giant Peach, Where the Sidewalk Ends (I could go on, but I won't)
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Brooke Harris
Favorite reads growing up: Amelia Bedelia, Miss Nelson is Missing, The Great Gatsby
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Dawn Goddard
Favorite books growing up: Frog and Toad Together, anything by Judy Blume, Bridge to Terabithia, Charlotte’s Web, Bread and Jam for Frances, Choose Your Own Adventure books, and several Little Golden Books like Grover and the Everything in the Whole Wide World Museum, The Monster at the End of This Book, and The Magic Friend-Maker.
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India Torrez
(they/them)
Fave reads: Verdi, Where The Wild Things Are, Stellaluna
our growthPartner with us
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Become a Sponsor
Collaborate
Support archive expansion, technology infrastructure, and community event programming
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Donate to CBLF
Contribute
Your donation helps provide literary arts experiences that honor the culture and traditions of South St. Pete.
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Help Share Our Story
Press
Covering literary arts, books, or reading in South St. Pete? We'd love to connect. Reach out for press inquiries, interviews, and media resources.