More than 60 of the nation's top writers, including celebrity author Barbara Walters, will gather in Philadelphia for the second Philadelphia Book Festival, the Free Library's annual celebration of reading and literacy. The festival -- held Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, at the Parkway Central Library, 19th and Vine Streets -- offers two days of award-winning authors and poets in a lively atmosphere that combines stimulating book talks with an eclectic blend of music, children's entertainment, and a new gaming gallery for all ages to enjoy. The festival is a free, public event that connects booklovers throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
The spirit of the weekend-long Philadelphia Book Festival is showcased in its kick-off event, a parade of storybook characters who engage and entertain the Library's most important patrons, children. The Berenstain Bears, Winnie the Pooh, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Pat the Bunny, Maisy, Lilly, Toot & Puddle, monsters from Where the Wild Things Are, and a cast of life-sized Star Wars figures will lead participants in a lively march down Vine Street to salute the stories that children treasure, both classics and contemporary works of fiction. Sesame Street's Elmo and Abby Cadabby will also bring their unique blend of songs and fun to the children's stage.
This 2008 Philadelphia Book Festival will present a weekend packed with readings from bestselling works of fiction and nonfiction written by some of the nation's most popular writers. Legendary ABC news anchor and host Barbara Walters headlines the list of renowned authors with her new book, Audition: A Memoir. Other internationally recognized writers appearing at the festival include Gregory Maguire (Wicked), Eric Jerome Dickey (Pleasure), Food Network host Ellie Krieger (The Food You Crave), Amy Goodman (Standing Up to the Madness); Roscoe Orman (Sesame Street's "Gordon"), James McBride (Song Yet Sung), Michael Scheuer (Marching Toward Hell), and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jorie Graham (Sea Change).
Streets around the Library will also be bustling with a Street Fair of more than 70 literary exhibitors -- including publishers, bookstores, nonprofit organizations, and independent authors -- selling books, sharing their stories, and presenting in-booth talks and author signings. Another highlight of the festival for up-and-coming poets and spoken word artists is an open mic where they can try out their works in progress.
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