The Jersey City Free Public Library will feature a variety of writing talent at the Tales of Our Cities book festival in Van Vorst Park on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine) adjacent to the main library, along Jersey Avenue and Montgomery Street.
With the motto, “Celebrating Writers: Promoting Reading,” the Tales of Our Cities book festival, in the heart of the Van Vorst Park Historic District, gives authors and audience members the opportunity to interact in a festive atmosphere of author readings and entertainment.
This is the eighth book festival in nine years produced by the Jersey City Free Public Library, in conjunction with Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs, Mayor Steven Fulop, and the Municipal Council.
“We are so excited with presenting Jersey City-native Kevin Powell.” – Michele Dupey
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With 26 authors equally divided between children and adults, the book festival gives fun for the intellectually curious.
The headline author for Tales of Our Cities 2016, is Kevin Powell, a Jersey City native whose life reflects an intellectual and emotional triumph over abject poverty, and the ills inherent in such a life beginning.
“We are so excited with presenting Jersey City native Kevin Powell,” said Michele Dupey, library public information officer and Tales of Our Cities 2016 committee chair. Powell is known for being in the first cast of MTV’s The Real World and being a respected thought leader on feminism, human and civil rights throughout the world.
He will read from his most recent book, “The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy’s Journey into Manhood,” a memoir of his early life, which began in Jersey City.
“Having come from an impoverished background, Kevin found solace in the public library,” said Library Director Priscilla Gardner. “His personal story is not the first, nor will it be the last, regarding how public libraries have saved a human life, and positively shaped someone’s future. We are honored that a chapter features the Greenville Branch Library.”
The full roster of local authors
Other writers featured at the event cover a cross-section of many authors for adults and children. These include M.C. Bechum, author of “The Glass Fortress;” Cherese T. Bracey “Reesie Reader, Little Entrepreneur;” Theresa Borrellli, “Ariel’s Home Adventure;” Carolina Cositore, “That Time in Havana;” Joe Del Priore, “WolfDen: Switchblade Stories 11;” Edward V. Haas, M.D., “Transformative Parenting;” James C. Ellerbe, “Beyond the Event Horizon;” Jacqueline Hallenbeck, “Poem-atic,” and Sarah Iskafy, “The Sin of Greed: Memoirs of an Ex-Muslim.”
Also appearing are Mara Lesemann, “Detours & Surviving Family;” Jeremiah Kleckner and Jeremy Marshall, “Captain James Hook and the Siege of Neverland (Book Two);” Kevin Lewis, “KJ Talks about God’s Creations;” D.L. Luke, “The Tale of the Halloween Cat;” Dawn McLaughlin, “Who Do You Think I Am?”
Also featured will be Mary Ann McGuigan “Where You Belong;” Clarence V. and Deneen G. Matthews, “Biz Kidz Country Adventure;” Vivienne Munn, “My Pal Buddee;” Jane F. Pedler, “The Circus at the Edge of the World;” Keith Nweze, “Poetry from The Black Collection;” Hank Quense, “Princess Moxie series;” Jaydeep Shah, “Horror Stories series /The Fear Is Back.”
You’ll also hear from Yolanda Rambert-Marshall, “Bruiser the Bully;” Tommi, “Only When It Rains;” Rev. Jacqueline Withers; “Rhoda, Open Up!” Tom Zoccolo, “Why Can’t Girls Play Baseball?”
Screenwriter Mara Lesemann will read from her latest film, “Detours,” which will be featured at the Golden Door Film Festival on Sept. 24. Poet/Publisher Keith Nweze will read from “The Black Collection.”
Tales of Our Cities 2016 provides quality entertainment for the whole family, with separate areas for children and adults, in the beautiful surroundings of lush, Victorian Van Vorst Park in Downtown Jersey City.
This is the first year that the Tales of Our Cities book festival features food trucks, which have become a welcome staple at cultural events. The food trucks will be stationed along the York Street side of Van Vorst Park, with tables and chairs available, along with comfort stations, one accommodating disabilities and one standard.
This also is the first year the book festival has been planned by a full committee, consisting of chair Michele Dupey and four other library employees – Mani Patel, Rominique Rubio, Elysse Sison, and Patricia Vega – most of whom have participated in previous book festivals.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.