Toronto Public Library hosts a Book Bash!

New festival reminds kids of the joy of reading just in time for school

TORONTO, Aug. 23 /CNW/ - Just before kids go back to school, Toronto Public Library will host a fun-filled children's festival featuring an all-star cast of Canadian children's authors, including some of the most talented and inspiring writers of books for boys. The stellar line-up of authors coming to town includes Eric Walters, Kenneth Oppel, Barbara Reid, Robin Muller and Sarah Ellis.

"We are excited about hosting the first annual literacy festival for children," said Ken Setterington, Toronto Public Library's Children and Youth Advocate. "Our goal is to promote the love of reading for children of all ages, but most especially for our boys."

"Studies show that boys often don't derive the same level of enjoyment and fun from reading as girls so the Book Bash is intended to illustrate just how fun reading can be. We'll be able to introduce them to the authors of the best new books for boys."

Book Bash is being held at North York Central Library and Mel Lastman Square on Saturday, August 28, 2010, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Book Bash features lots of free entertainment for kids of all ages including storytelling, puppet shows, face painting, and fun crafts and activities.

Sarah Ellis will also provide a talk Friday evening to dish out some advice for hopeful authors and insight into the world of publishing children's books.

What:	Book Bash, the first annual Canadian Children's Literature Festival
Where:	North York Central Library (Concourse) and Mel Lastman Square
	5120 Yonge Street
When:	Sarah Ellis - Friday, August 27, 7:00 - 8:00 pm (refreshments at 6:30)
	Book Bash - Saturday, August 28, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Canadian Children's Literature Festival is supported by an endowment fund honouring Lawrence Muller, retired president of Scholastic Canada, gifted to the Toronto Public Library Foundation earlier this year. The annual Canadian Children's Literature Festival aims to promote reading, and recognize the wealth of Canadian talent writing for children.

Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 17.5 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 31 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Michelle Leung, Communications Officer, 416-397-5936, [email protected]