2nd Annual N.O. Children’s Book Festival set for Oct. 14–15

The 2nd Annual New Orleans Children’s Book Festival presented by civil rights icon Ruby Bridges and First Lady Cheryl Landrieu will consist of two extraordinary events to be held on Friday, October 14, and Saturday, October 15, 2011.

“Twinkle, Twinkle: A Night of Music Inspired by Children’s Literature” is a special performance by the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra in celebration of the 2nd Annual New Orleans Children’s Book Festival. On the evening of Friday, October 14, the Youth Orchestra will perform music inspired by children’s literature.

This free event will take place on the lawn of Latter Library from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and baskets for a night of music under the stars.

The 2nd Annual New Orleans Children’s Book Festival will promote literacy by providing children with the opportunity to hear readings from renowned authors. This free festival, held at Latter Branch Library, 5120 St. Charles Avenue, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will also feature food, live music and a variety of engaging activities for children of all ages. In addition, limited supplies of books will be distributed to festival attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis.

On December 4, 2010, the Ruby Bridges Foundation partnered with First Lady Cheryl Landrieu and other community supporters to launch the 1st Annual New Orleans Children’s Book Festival. The inaugural festival took place on the grounds of the Latter Branch Library and attracted thousands of attendees.

The 2nd Annual New Orleans Children’s Book Festival scheduled for October 14-15, 2011 promises to be an even greater success.

Ms. Bridges and Mrs. Landrieu both believe strongly in literacy and the power of education. This event affords children from all backgrounds the opportunity to get to know one another through the love of books and learning. The festival offers unique opportunities for children and parents to interact with exceptional writers and storytellers and to enjoy an inspiring variety of book-related activities, exhibitions and demonstrations.

This article was originally published in the October 10, 2011 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper