# Event Details - **Event Name**: 1619 Freedom School Read-In 2026 - **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 18 Jul, 2026 at 11:00 am – Sat, 18 Jul, 2026 at 01:00 pm - **Event Description**: Their books were banned in Iowa. Their authors are coming to Waterloo. Free event. Free books. July 18.About this EventIowa ranks among the worst states in the nation for book bans. The 1619 Freedom School Read-In wants to counter that.Award-winning, #1 New York Times-bestselling authors Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Renée Watson will join 1619 Freedom School founder, Pulitzer-Prize winner and Waterloo native Nikole Hannah-Jones for a free event that will put thousands of books in the hands of children and families.WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERSAcross Iowa, hundreds of books have been challenged or removed from school libraries — disproportionately titles by and about Black and brown people, the very books that help children see themselves, their families, and their history reflected on the page. At a time when access to culturally meaningful literature is under threat, the Read-In is a direct, joyful act of resistance: a community coming together to put books into the hands of young readers.This year's event features bestselling authors Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Renée Watson — writers whose books have appeared on ban lists across the country and whose stories belong in every child's hands.Join us and founder Nikole Hannah-Jones for readings, moderated conversations, and live engagement with three of today's most celebrated authors. We're giving away books to families — free of charge.This is literacy as celebration. And as resistance. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/waterloo/1619-freedom-school-read-in-2026/100001989965504392 - **Event Categories**: art, literary-art - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 1 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: under_16_with_guardian - door_time: 2026-07-18T15:30:00Z - Duration: 2 hours - Location: Waterloo West High School - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 19.12, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Waterloo - **state**: IA - **country**: United States - **location**: Waterloo West High School - **lat**: 42.470844 - **long**: -92.35131779999999 - **full address**: Waterloo West High School, 425 East Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: 1619 Freedom School Read-In 2026 - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/5fb94a689d4eda362a939a639e5332089e110bb19422142fae408580d31f87ea-rimg-w1200-h600-dc360705-gmir.jpg?v=1781062894 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is 1619 Freedom School Read-In 2026 being held? - **A:** 1619 Freedom School Read-In 2026 takes place on Sat, 18 Jul, 2026 at 11:00 am to Sat, 18 Jul, 2026 at 01:00 pm at Waterloo West High School, 425 East Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing 1619 Freedom School Read-In 2026? - **A:** 1619 Freedom School Read-In 2026 is organized by 1619 Freedom School. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** 1619 Freedom School Read-In 2026 is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Waterloo, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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