Neighbor News
Sen. Chris Murphy Unveils Bridgeport’s First Annual Book Fest
The Book Fest will be held May 30 at University of Bridgeport, preceded by the Poetry Jam on May 29 at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
Geraldine Claytor Magnet School’s library was abuzz with primary school children, Beardsley zoo animals, local children’s authors and childhood literacy advocates on Feb. 28.
After petting a bearded dragon, a parrot and an enormous boa constrictor brought by Gregg Dancho of the Beardsley Zoo, 15 children settled in for a reading of “Zoo Day” by Bridgeport author and illustrator, Lizzy Rockwell.
Senator Chris Murphy then announced the launch of Bridgeport’s first annual Book Fest, a partnership between the Senator, Read to Grow, RJ Julia Booksellers, the City of Bridgeport and the University of Bridgeport.
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With a focus on childhood literacy, The Book Fest has a goal of providing children of Bridgeport’s low income families with free books for summer reading, and to benefit the entire region with a full day of family fun on the UB campus.
According to the Department of Education, 60% of children from Bridgeport’s more impoverished families do not own one book. Book Fest aims to lessen that abysmal statistic by using funds raised to purchase 7,500 new books for PK-3rd grade students.
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On May 29 from 7 – 9 p.m., a Book Fest kick-off party and Poetry Jam will take place at Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theater. The Poetry Jam MC is internationally known Poet, Youth Empowerment Speaker, and literacy advocate Frank E. Brady.
Saturday, May 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Book Fest. It will be held at the University of Bridgeport’s Marina Dining Hall at 374 Linden Avenue in Bridgeport, both indoors and out.
Over 30 authors, poets, artists and musicians will participate. There will be book signings, story time, hands-on activities, games, arts, crafts, music, and food trucks. Several Community organizations will develop educational programming and engaging activities for festival goers.
The Bridgeport Book Festival is underwritten by numerous sponsors and donors, including:
Pitney Bowes – Bigelow Tea – AQR Capital Management – Eversource – Bankwell – Newman’s Own, Nestle Waters, and Southwest Community Health Center, thus far.
Media Sponsor: Community Radio WPKN 89.5-FM
Community Organizations:
BPEF: Bridgeport Public Education Fund - ABCD: Action for Bridgeport Community Development - Bridgeport Public Library - Bridgeport Board of Education - DSSD: Downtown Special Services District
