Book it
Today marks the opening of the Virginia Festival of the Book, a five-day program promoting literacy and celebrating reading. The festival, in its sixth year, sponsors free daily programs and events held around Charlottesville for children and adults.
In 1999, over 13,000 people attended festival events, and 302 writers participated in 203 programs.
Those who attend the events apparently enjoy themselves.
"Last year, 94 percent of our audience rated the festival programs as good or excellent," Program Director Suzanne M. Liola said.
Highlights of the week will include a showcase of University authors, an evening poetry reading with acclaimed poets Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez, discussions about racial issues in literature and a day-long seminar for self-publishers.
Children can enjoy an evening with storytellers, illustrators and writers at Culbreth Theatre.
"The program is extremely diverse," Liola said. Since there is no central theme, "we can have all different types of programs and hope to provide something for everybody."
Compiled by Allison Botos
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