The Jersey City Public Library is inviting well-known authors from the city to the second annual A Tale of Our City book festival on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Van Vorst Park.
Sonia Araujo, the assistant library director for the Jersey City Public Library, said last week that authors participating in the festival will sign and sell their books, as well as read excerpts. Last year, Jersey City native and former local journalist Helene Stapinski was one of the featured authors.
The library also plans to have the city’s Cultural Affairs Division and other city agencies help bring children’s activities to the festival. Giveaways, including copies of Ray Bradbury’s classic science fiction novel
“It’s good when you involve the community, and make the festival bigger and better.” – Sonia Araujo
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There will also be a children’s reading section, where guest readers including the mayor will entertain the little ones.
Araujo is looking forward to putting together and taking part in the festival.
“When you see authors reading from their book, and they are thanking you so much for letting them be able to get the word out, it definitely makes me glad,” Araujo said.
When reading is about community
Araujo is also working to make the festival not just appeal to book-lovers but to everyone in the neighborhood.
There will be a farmers market, and invitations are out to various artists and theater groups to make the festival multi-faceted.
“It’s good when you involve the community, and make the festival bigger and better,” Araujo said.
Araujo is looking for the authors who participated in last year’s festival and also some new faces. She hopes to lure someone like Jersey City native son and noted author Thomas Fleming, who was scheduled but was unable to attend last year’s festival.
Those who want to participate in the festival are encouraged to visit the Jersey City Public Library’s Web site (www.jclibrary.org) and click on the “A Tale of Our City” link for additional information, and to complete participants’ forms as soon as possible. Completed forms can also be faxed to (201) 547-5936.
Those wanting to participate can also call Sonia Araujo at (201) 547-4549.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonrreporter.com.