Workshops with renowned artists, panel discussions with award winning authors, and a glowing outdoor night market happens this Saturday.
The Reading Public Library and Barrio Alegría present Story Lane: Book Fair and Market, a celebration of modern, local literature that goes well into the evening.
Slated for Oct. 3, from 1-9 p.m., Story Lane: Book Fair and Market utilizes not only the interior of the library for a slew of simultaneous activities for adults, teens, and children. At 4 p.m., the outdoor market opens and nationally renowned author, poet, and performer Javier Avila takes the main stage inside the library.
The market will showcase around 20 local artisans, authors, a mobile coffee bar, a Mexican food truck, and an American food truck.
Beyond being a perfect way to spend an early-autumn evening, the book fair accomplishes several notable goals for the library, according to RPL executive director Melissa Adams.
“This event really connects to several priorities in our new strategic plan, including increasing community engagement, expanding programming, and creating more welcoming, accessible spaces,” Adams said. “By building on our partnership with Barrio Alegria, it offers a collaborative, all-ages experience designed to attract new audiences and transform how people experience the library.”
Daniel Egusquiza, executive director of Barrio Alegria, said the book fair is a beautiful community gathering that exemplifies the figurative – and potential literal – magic of literature.
“Naysayers say that people in our city do not read, but Barrio believes that our people are more than the narratives placed on them,” Egusquiza said. “This book fair will be the perfect opportunity to connect with books and the language smiths that can forge words into spells.”
Entry into the book fair is free, and on street parking or Fourth and Cherry garage is available for visitors.