A two-day festival focusing on books and reading is a wonderful idea for Lawrence.

The Altrusa Club of Lawrence, which promotes literacy through various projects, has started planning for a community event to showcase local authors and spur local interest in books and reading. The first event tentatively has been set for October 2007. Club members envision a gathering that includes book signings, readings by authors, storytelling, workshops, children’s activities and the presentation of the Altrusa Community Literacy Award.

Although Altrusa is taking the lead in this effort, the book event will need broad community participation and support if it is to be successful. Similar events in other cities and metropolitan areas have grown in popularity and draw people from a broad area to hear authors read and speak about their work. The Lawrence event has the potential to be a regional attraction.

Congratulations to Altrusa members for coming up with such a wonderful idea for promoting literature and reading. Community members should step up to support this event and help make it an ongoing attraction for Lawrence.