The Big Read Roadshow will bring local authors, volunteer readers, and books directly into ten primary schools across the Virgin Islands during Reading Is Fun Week. Photo: HLSCC

For hundreds of children across the Virgin Islands, the journey to this year's BVI Literary Arts Festival (BVI Lit Fest) will begin long before November. Photo: HLSCC

Through a new partnership between BVI Lit Fest and Ogier, students across the Territory will experience the magic of stories through The Big Read Roadshow, a five-day literacy initiative that will bring local authors, Ogier and HLSCC volunteer readers, and a hundred local books directly into ten primary schools during Reading Is Fun Week from October 5-9, 2026.

According to a press release from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), as part of its continued commitment to nurturing a love of reading, imagination, and creative expression among the Territory's young people, The Big Read Roadshow will serve as an expansion of the BVI Lit Fest's popular Literary Wonderland Children's Programme with the launch of this new pre-festival reading tour, designed to bring books and storytelling directly to children in their own school communities.

Ogier gets on board

Powered by Ogier, The Big Read Roadshow reflects a shared belief that every child deserves access to quality books, inspiring role models, and opportunities to discover the joy of reading. Over the course of five days, teams comprising local children's authors, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College faculty, staff and students, BVI Lit Fest committee members, and Ogier employees will visit primary schools across the Territory, leading engaging read-aloud experiences and interactive discussions designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for storytelling.

In addition to the school visits, participating schools will receive donations of children's books to help strengthen classroom and library collections and encourage reading long after the Roadshow concludes.

According to HLSCC, The Big Read Roadshow serves as the first official event on the road to BVI Lit Fest 2026, which returns from November 5-8, 2026 under the theme Mouth Open, Story Jump Out.

HLSCC said festival organisers believe the initiative will not only promote literacy but also help students see themselves reflected in stories written by local authors and storytellers.