2009 Free Library Festival Showcases award-winning authors,
musical groups, and performers on April 18 and 19
Writers, performers, musicians, costumed children’s characters, and literary vendors will gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, for a celebration of creativity during the Free Library Festival. For the third year in a row, the Parkway Central Library features two days of fun, free events-from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can catch a reading by a bestselling author, dance along to award-winning musical acts, and peruse the street fair for great buys from literary exhibitors.

The Free Library Festival expands beyond books and celebrates the mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia-to provide knowledge, artistic expression, ideas, and information in a variety of media, including current technology. Connecting more than 27,000 people from the Mid-Atlantic region, the Free Library Festival strives to foster and showcase creativity in all forms, promising a burst of books, music, and inspiration for everyone.

“We are excited to continue our tradition of showcasing creativity and inspiration by welcoming award-winning authors, lively musicians, and more to the Philadelphia community,” said Free Library President and Director Siobhan A. Reardon. “On behalf of the Library, I would like to thank all of our 2009 festival sponsors, especially the lead sponsor for the third year in a row-the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. During a time of economic downturn, it is truly inspiring to see civic-minded businesses and organizations support a program such as the Free Library Festival, which promises two-days of free fun for community members of all ages and backgrounds.” Additional 2009 Free Library Festival sponsors and community partners include Target, Bank of America, 6abc, KYW Newsradio 1060, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the City of Philadelphia and Fairmount Park, as well as official booksellers, Joseph Fox Book Shop and Children’s Book World.

The bustling weekend offers something for everyone-highlights for adults include Tony Award-winning Broadway and television actress Kristen Chenoweth (A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages). The Festival also boasts from internationally acclaimed writers, including Vicki Myron “(Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World)”, Olympic gold medalist and world-record setter Dara Torres (Age is Just a Number), Jane Hamilton (Laura Rider’s Masterpeice), Robert Roper (Now the Drum of War), former New Jersey Poet Laureate Amiri Baraka (Home: Social Essays), cookbook author and Emmy Award winner Christina Pirello (This Crazy Vegan Life), poet Katie Ford (Colosseum), and more.

For the young, and young at heart-Saturday kicks off with a storybook character parade. Parents and kids can join the celebration and march down Vine Street alongside their favorite characters, including Strawberry Shortcake, Little Critter, Clifford, Madeline, Frog and Toad, a creature from “Where the Wild Things Are”, Maisy, Biscuit, and Lilly. Among the many children’s authors visiting will be John Green (Paper Towns) and Peter Lerangis (The 39 Clues: The Sword Thief). Families can also clap their hands along to a spectacular lineup of children’s performers, featuring four-time Grammy nominee Trout Fishing in America and Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame. Other musical guests include Parents’ Choice Award-winner The Jimmies, Baby Loves Salsa, and Father Goose, a Jamaican born artist who mixes reggae, folktale, rap, and calypso pop.

Adult audiences can move to the music of Nation Beat-whose latest fusion release has been called the no. 1 world music album of the year-and Follow the Drinking Gourd, a musical trio celebrating the vitally of the African-American musical experience through a blend of spiritual and ragtime styles. During a can’t-miss, entertaining event on Saturday, contestants from Chicago will battle storytelling Philadelphians during the First Person StorySlam. Opponents will have five minutes to tell true stories related to the theme “mortified,” competing for the most “storied” city. Between story slams, musical performances, and author readings, visitors can stroll through the street fair, which hosts publishing houses and organizations like the American Poetry Review, Painted Bride Quarterly, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and more.

The Festival’s distinct and colorful artwork captures the kinetic energy and creativity being celebrated, and the original piece was designed by local illustrator Tim Gough. An artist living and working in Philadelphia, Mr. Gough has created artwork for a variety of publications, including Philadelphia Magazine, Newsweek, the New York Times, and Bust magazine. Before striking out on his own, Mr. Gough worked as a designer and art director at several agencies and design firms. Along with his current editorial work, concert posters, and his zine, cut and paste, Mr. Gough exhibits prints and drawings in galleries across the country. For more information about Mr. Gough’s work, please visit timgough.org.

To find out more about the Free Library Festival, please visit freelibrary.org/bookfestival.