Erie Art Company Announces Transfer of Lake Erie Literary Festival Ownership to Werner Books

Erie, Pennsylvania Sep 4, 2026 (Issuewire.com) ERIE ART COMPANY ANNOUNCES TRANSFER OF LAKE ERIE LITERARY FESTIVAL OWNERSHIP TO WERNER BOOKS

The Erie Art Company is proud to announce a significant milestone for the local literary community: the official transfer of ownership and operations of the Lake Erie Literary Festival (Lit Fest) to the owners and staff of Werner Books. This transition marks a new chapter for the beloved festival, placing it permanently in the hands of an independent organization that has tirelessly championed its growth.

Brad Ford, Director of the Erie Art Company, emphasized that this transition is a natural and necessary evolution for the event. “The Lit Fest simply would not have survived if it wasnt for the unwavering passion of Werner Books, its patrons, and its staff,” Ford stated. “They stepped up when the festival needed them most, proving themselves to be the true heartbeat of Erie’s literary community. Passing the torch to them ensures the festival will continue to thrive for years to come.”

This transfer perfectly aligns with the Erie Art Companys guiding purpose: to empower the Erie community to express their voice and to bring about economic and social change through creative place-making. By transitioning the festival to a deeply embedded, community-focused independent bookstore, the organization is fulfilling its mission of creating sustainable, community-led arts ecosystems.

As part of this transition, the festival will proudly maintain its core programming and community partnerships. This includes the continuance of the highly anticipated Banned Books giveaway, assisted by the Erie County Public Library, which empowers the community to push back against censorship and defend the freedom to read. Additionally, the festival will introduce the Honoring Ginny Brocki Sketchbook event, a new tribute celebrating the memory, generous spirit, and diligent creativity of the beloved local digital portrait and pencil artist.

The continued success and growth of the Lake Erie Literary Festival is made possible by the robust backing of its community partners and sponsors. The organizers extend their deepest gratitude to Werner Books & Coffee, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA), the City of Erie, the Erie County Public Library, Mercyhurst University, the Penn State Behrend School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Gannon University for their generous support.

While the Lake Erie Lit Fest is transitioning to its new home, the Erie Art Company remains steadfastly dedicated to enriching the region’s cultural landscape. Having been actively involved in Literary Arts initiatives for over three years, the organization will continue to support local expression alongside its other core initiatives:

• Immersive Art Installations: Working with industry tech-makers to create engaging installations and interactive art experiences in an ever-changing technological landscape.

• Digital Art: Promoting new technologiesfrom curating NFTs and CryptoArt to digital tech educationand providing essential services for schools, artists, and the wider Erie community.

• Erie Art Gallery: Activating spaces within the Erie City Downtown district by bringing together local, regional, and national art that promotes the widest variety of artistic expression.

About the Erie Art Company: Founded in 2013, the Erie Art Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to the advancement of innovative and exemplary education projects. Together with community leaders, the organization creates projects focused on combining arts and technology initiatives.

Our Mission: The arts are nourishment for our hearts and minds. They are critical in our exploration of who we are and what we might become. May we continue to encourage those whose talent, dedication, and visions can create a better tomorrow.

Contact: The Erie Art Company 1311 State Street Erie, PA 16501 Email: info@erieartcompany.com Website: www.erielitfest.com