Petersburg Book Fest Committees
The Petersburg Book Fest is a vibrant literary celebration that brings together authors, readers, and book lovers for a day filled with engaging discussions, book signings, workshops, and community activities. Our mission is to cultivate literacy, nurture literary community, and promote artistic expression. The success of the book fest depends on the dedication of our volunteers and committee members who work together to create an enjoyable and seamless experience for all attendees.
Each committee plays a vital role in ensuring the event runs smoothly. Below are the descriptions of the available committees, their responsibilities, and expected time commitments.
Volunteer Guide: What You Need to Know & How You’ll Make an Impact
Requirements for volunteers are as follows:
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16 years of age or older
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Commit to volunteer a minimum of 3 consecutive hours on Saturday (September 13, 2025)
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Sign up as a volunteer by July 15, 2025 and request volunteer
position desired
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Agree to accept assigned position, which will be designated by the book festival committee on a first-come, first-serve basis
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Agree to act in a professional and respectful manner at all times
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Become familiar with book fest layout and schedule
General Volunteer Committee
The General Volunteer Committee serves as the backbone of the Petersburg Book Fest, providing hands-on support in various areas of the event. Volunteers assist with event setup, guest services, book sales, ushering, and other festival needs. This committee is ideal for individuals who want to contribute to the success of the festival without committing to a specific leadership role.
Responsibilities
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Assist with event setup and breakdown
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Provide information and directions to attendees
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Support authors and panelists by managing book signings and session transitions
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Help with registration and check-in processes
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Work with other committees to ensure smooth event operations
Time Commitment
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3 pre-event meetings for orientation and role assignments
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Volunteer shifts on the day of the festival (flexible options available)
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Additional opportunities for pre-event preparation and promotion
Author Engagement Committee
The Author Engagement Committee is responsible for coordinating with participating authors, moderators, and panelists to ensure they have a positive experience at the festival. This team assists with author scheduling, hospitality, and communication before and during the event.
Responsibilities
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Serve as the primary point of contact for invited authors and moderators
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Coordinate author schedules, including panel discussions, book signings, and meet-and-greet sessions
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Assist with travel and accommodation logistics, if applicable
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Provide hospitality support, ensuring authors have a comfortable and welcoming experience
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Work with the General Volunteer Committee to manage author-related logistics on the festival day
Time Commitment
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Bimonthly committee meetings leading up to the event
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Increased communication and coordination in the 2 months prior to the festival
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Full-day commitment on the day of the festival
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee manages the festival's budget, fundraising efforts, and financial record-keeping. This team ensures the event remains financially sustainable by overseeing sponsorships, donations, grants, and vendor payments.
Responsibilities
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Develop and manage the festival budget
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Secure sponsorships and grants to support the event
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Track and manage festival expenses and revenues
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Oversee financial agreements with vendors, authors, and partners
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Work with the Logistics and Safety Committee to ensure cost-effective event planning
Time Commitment
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Bimonthly committee meetings, with increased frequency leading up to the event
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Regular check-ins with sponsors and donors
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Attendance at key festival events and post-event financial reconciliation
Logistics and Safety Committee
The Logistics and Safety Committee ensures all aspects of the festival’s physical setup and safety measures are well-planned and executed. This team works on venue coordination, security, accessibility, and emergency preparedness to ensure a smooth and secure event.
Responsibilities
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Plan venue layout, including stages, booths, and seating arrangements
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Coordinate with city officials and vendors for permits, equipment rentals, and logistics
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Develop and implement safety protocols, including emergency response plans
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Manage volunteer and staff training for safety and crowd control
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Ensure accessibility accommodations for all attendees
Time Commitment
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Monthly committee meetings, with more frequent meetings in the final month
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Hands-on involvement in site setup the day before and the morning of the festival
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Full-day commitment on the festival day for oversight and troubleshooting
These committees work collaboratively to bring the Petersburg Book Fest to life. Volunteers and committee members gain valuable event-planning experience, connect with the literary community, and contribute to a meaningful cultural event. If you are passionate about books and community engagement, we encourage you to join a committee that aligns with your interests and skills!
Sign Up to Volunteer – Complete the Form and Join the Team!
Below is a volunteer registration form for the Petersburg Book Fest. Please fill out this form accurately and completely. Completion of this form does not guarantee you will be selected as a volunteer. For further questions, email info@petersburgbookfest.com.