Thousands attend Warwick Children's Book Festival

Warwick — The second annual Warwick Children’s Book Festival was held at Park Avenue School on Saturday, Sept. 17. Like Applefest, it can be difficult to accurately estimate the number of people who attended the event because they arrived and left at different times throughout the day. But nevertheless, it’s safe to say that thousands participated as the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation played host to more than 45 authors and illustrators for this all-day event celebrating children’s literacy. The authors and illustrators were available from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the school gym to autograph their works. And to help make this family friendly event a day to remember, there was also musical entertainment for young children featuring David Jack and Bossy Frog, as well as Manga drawing workshops for older kids with Misako Rocks. On that same day participating downtown village merchants hosted a whimsical “Children’s Book Walk” featuring book-related window displays throughout the village and special fun events in participating shops. John and Peggy Christison, for example, spent the day running their restaurant, Yesterday’s, while dressed as Dr. Seuss’ popular “Cat in the Hat” character. “We had a great turnout for this, our second annual Warwick Children’s Book Festival,” said Library Director Rosemary Cooper. “And we thank everyone who participated including all the members of our committee, our volunteers and sponsors and the participating Warwick merchants. We are especially grateful for the generous donation from our avid Library Foundation supporters Glenn P. and Susan D. Dickes.” Other community supporters included the Village of Warwick, Provident Bank, WVT Communications and Park Avenue Elementary School. A special Children’s Book Festival publication in The Warwick Advertiser was sponsored by Country Chevrolet, St. Anthony Community Hospital, Leo Kaytes Ford and WVT Communications.