By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond families and readers of all ages are invited to celebrate reading, creativity and community at the annual “Literacy Festival” on April 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium.
Organized by a broad coalition led by the City of Richmond and the Richmond Public Library, the event is designed to bring the community together around a shared love of books while offering a wide range of free, engaging activities.
The festival aims to bring the community together to “celebrate the joy of reading,” said Kate Eppler, deputy director of community services for the library.
One of the festival’s central features is its focus on access. Attendees will be able to take home free books, thanks to a combination of event funding and support from literacy partners. Eppler said a primary goal of the festival is for every attendee to leave with a free book. West County Reads will distribute books, with additional titles available while supplies last.
This year’s festival will also feature an author talk from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. by Bay Area children’s author and illustrator, Nidhi Chanani, whose work includes the popular Super Boba Cafe series. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to receive a free copy of her book and, “with any luck… get their copy of her book signed after her talk, no expense to them,” Eppler said.
Chanani is also expected to give a live art demonstration, offering attendees a glimpse into her creative process.
Entertainment is another highlight of the festival. The Fratello Marionettes will perform Aladdin from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., bringing what Eppler described as “striking, beautiful, handmade…creations that they bring to life on the stage.” She added, “It’s truly a sight to behold,” noting that the performance appeals to audiences of all ages.
While everyone is welcome, organizers anticipate the event will be especially engaging for children between the ages of five and 12 and their families.
In addition to entertainment and author programming, visitors will be able to sign up for a library card and connect with community organizations tabling about free and low-cost services. The festival is intentionally collaborative, drawing on expertise from City departments and literacy advocates throughout Richmond.
“This event is traditionally really a group effort,” Eppler said, emphasizing the planning team’s shared commitment to literacy.
This year’s Literacy Festival coincides with other family-friendly activities in-and-around the Civic Center, including Park Rx Day at Nicholl Park and Spring Family Day at the Richmond Arts Center, making it an especially lively afternoon in Richmond.
The Richmond Memorial Auditorium is located at 403 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond. For information about vending at the Literacy Festival, call Kate Eppler at 510-620-5452.
