To the editor:

Last Sunday was the first-ever River City Reading Festival. Organized by the Altrusa International club of Lawrence and held at the Lawrence Arts Center, this was a festival to celebrate reading and books. Under the leadership of Kassie Edwards, it was a very successful event, with over 55 authors, poets and presenters, children’s activities, exhibitors and outstanding food vendors.

Much of this success was due to the many volunteers who worked throughout the day to do whatever was necessary to make the event run smoothly. Members of Altrusa were the major body of volunteers, but there were also approximately 75 community volunteers – members of neighborhood book clubs, Central Rotary, Breakfast Cosmopolitan, Boy Scout troops 52, 53 and 59, several Girl Scout troops, 4-H clubs, National Honor Society and KU students. They helped set up, clean up, tear down, usher, paint faces and entertain children.

It was truly a community event, and it could not have been so successful without the help of all these wonderful volunteers. A hearty “well done” to all of you who volunteered to help; you have earned the sincere gratitude and appreciation of the River City Reading Festival Steering Committee.

Sally Brandt,

Lawrence