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Nov 18, 2023
Fort Bend County Libraries’ (FBCL) Book Festival is not just for adults! Children who dream of one day becoming writers will find encouragement and inspiration at this annual event, which will take place on Saturday, November 18, at George Memorial Library in Richmond.
A broad range of programs and events is planned for the day, but one workshop is specifically for children in grades 2 through 5. Children’s author and creative-writing teacher Valerie Sweeten will present “Exploring Your World: A Kids’ Writing Workshop” from 10:30 to 11:30 am, in Room 2A of the library.
Children are encouraged to explore their creative side through writing. Sweeten will provide several writing prompts and show children how to create short stories by letting their imaginations soar.
After the children’s workshop, families will be treated to a performance by Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston in the Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. As with written words, discover how music, dancing, and vibrant costumes can also be used to relate stories. Costumes and dances from the Huasteca region of Mexico, along with the state of Jalisco, will be featured.
Food trucks will be on hand, and families are invited to eat lunch while enjoying the shade of the outdoor amphitheater and the festive atmosphere of this exciting performance. Books by visiting authors will be raffled off during the lunch hour, as well!
Following the outdoor entertainment, families may return inside for additional presentations or meet some of the local authors who will be on hand for book signings throughout the event. Guest authors -- representing children’s, Young Adult, and adult literature -- include Tonya Duncan Ellis, Raul Herrera, Saborna Roychowdhury, Sherrie Schmidt, Valerie Sweeten, and Robin Winckler.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is the author of the popular, award-winning “Sophie Washington” children’s chapter-book series, as well as They Built Me for Freedom, a children’s book about Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park.
Children’s author and retired schoolteacher Sherrie Schmidt will have copies of her book, The Seashell Safe Harbor, available for sale and signing. Her book, which features a sailboat named Happy, shares the message of finding courage within oneself and recognizing another friend’s need for help.
Robin Winckler is a YA (Young Adult) fantasy author with a love for magic, dragons, adventure, and all things high fantasy. She will talk about her book, Of Spellbooks and Thieves (The Legends of Anticuus).
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Book Festival celebrates books, authors, and the importance of literature to the imagination. The complete schedule of events can be found on the Fort Bend County Libraries website or on the FBCL Facebook page. Participants may attend the whole day, or they can choose which individual session(s) they would like to attend.
The event is made possible by the Friends of the George Memorial Library. Visitors may browse through the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, which will take place at the front entrance of the library from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Proceeds from the book sale provide funding for special adult and children’s programs, cultural events, and staff development and continuing-education programs for library employees.
The Book Festival is free and open to the public. For more information, see Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).