The Hancock County Library System and Harrison County Library System will present the third HOMEGROWN literary arts program in the Fleming Education Center at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach Saturday, Feb. 1. The event is free and open to the public, although advance registration is strongly encouraged as space may be limited for some sessions.
HOMEGROWN was introduced in November 2019, in partnership with The Arts Hancock County, as a regional literary conference that nurtures aspiring and emerging writers and engages Gulf Coast residents and visitors through connections to the literary arts. Noted author and Delisle, MS, native, Jesmyn Ward presented a closing address for the inaugural event. In January 2024, HOMEGROWN returned, presenting 23 authors, six moderated panels and attracting an audience of 398 people from eight states.
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The Mississippi Humanities Council awarded a grant in support of HOMEGROWN in 2024 and again for the 2025 event.
Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome session beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a series of author panels throughout the day. HOMEGROWN is directed to adult and young adult (YA) audiences, and is not intended for families with younger children. Find more info on HOMEGROWN, visit https://hcls.info/homegrown or https://www.facebook.com/share/15aKXghtjs/.