by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“Much Ado About Books,” the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation’s annual literary festival and fundraiser, begins Friday at the Main Library on Laura Street.
This year marks the event’s 15th anniversary and the fifth edition of the “Ex Libris Gala,” an element that has been a high point of the weekend since the Main Library Downtown was dedicated.
The theme for this year’s spotlight social gathering is “Lights Over London” and Jacksonville Public Library Foundation Director of Development Terry Algire said the foundation has pulled out all the stops to make it one of the most memorable evenings of the season.
“From the moment you step out of your car, you’re going to think you’re in London,” she promised.
Since it debuted, “Much Ado About Books” has grown from a fundraising event to a two-day festival that includes something for readers of all tastes. Some of the most popular authors on the market today, including several who make regular appearances on the New York Times bestseller list, will be at the Main Library conducting workshops and participating in panel discussions. While some of the events require a ticket for admission, most activities are free of charge.
“It has evolved into a community outreach program that supports literacy in all age levels,” said Algire.
A recent addition to the festival that has proven to be very popular is “The Children’s Chapter.” It begins Saturday at 9 a.m. and includes everything from guest authors reading from their books, hands-on activities and booths set up by local children’s literacy agencies. Mayor John Peyton will read to children at the conclusion of the program.
“The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation is part of the festival this year and they’ll have a horse and a pony at the Laura Street entrance,” Algire added.
Best-selling author Steve Berry will conduct what’s billed as “an intensive writer’s workshop” Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. He’ll share some of the traits that can make an author successful from writing style to how to get a book published. Mary Kay Andrews, another writer who’s no stranger the the bestseller list, is this year’s keynote speaker ant the annual luncheon Saturday in the Main Library’s Conference Center.
Algire said the guest authors are donating their time which helps the foundation use the maximum amount of funds to support library programs all year.
“To get authors this well-known to waive their usual appearance fees to participate in ‘Much Ado’ is excellent. It’s an amazing experience to get to interact with them and also explore our library system,” she added.
Local authors are also featured during the event and will participate in book signings and panel discussions concerning literary themes and their own writing.
While “Much Ado About Books” is a concentrated effort to focus attention on writing and reading it also represents the foundation’s every day mission.
“We want to make our citizens aware of the tremendous resource they have in our library system. We also want to connect people to the library and help the community realize how important it is to support the library system,” said Algire.
For the complete schedule and ticket information visit www.muchadoaboutbooks.com or call 630-1995.
356-2466