As a small child, I remember fondly the trips to the library. My mother and grandmother both held a tremendous love of books and reading, and our community library was only [...]]]> I was honored to have my work used to help promote the Fall Literature and Arts Festival in Columbia, South Carolina.

As a small child, I remember fondly the trips to the library. My mother and grandmother both held a tremendous love of books and reading, and our community library was only a few blocks from home. I loved to go into the children’s section and look through all of the books. I was held entranced by the pictures and the words. They each opened up a whole new world of possibilities to my child mind. It is a love that I still hold dear to my heart. I have an entire shelf in my studio dedicated to my ever growing collection of children’s books. I suppose this may have been the driving factor behind my choice to get a Master’s Degree in Illustration.

It is hard for me to imagine not having books in my life. So much joy has been brought into my life by reading and illustrating, but illiteracy is a serious problem in our country and around the world.  Literacy issues can have a lasting impact on income levels and future generations. In order to promote community wide literacy, Richland School District Two Education Foundation successfully inaugurated the first annual Fall Literature and Arts Festival in Columbia, South Carolina. The event was held on October 17, 2009 at Dent Middle School in Columbia.  The following description was written by James Manning on the Facebook event Page:

The Richland Two Foundation has partnered with the City of Forest Acres and Books-A-Million to bring in over 25 authors for book signings, reading time, and speaking events.

Acclaimed Authors Hill Harper (from CSI New York), Edie Hand (Elvis’s Cousin), Rose Rock (Mother of legendary comedian Chris Rock), and Anton Gunn (House Representative 79) along with many other authors will be there to sign books, provide speaking sessions, and to take pictures. Cocky and Clifford the Big Red Dog will be making appearances for the kids. There will also be performances by Richland 2 Students, reading time for kids, food from local vendors, and many other events.

For More on Literacy Statistics and Concerns in the US, please check out the following sites:

http://www.eurekawebs.com/humlit/fast_facts.htm
http://nces.ed.gov/naal/
http://www.begintoread.com/research/literacystatistics.html

Consider helping out with literacy initiatives in your area, or contact the Richland Two Foundation to offer your help for next year’s festival!