Robert Collins, left, of Andover, talks with Scott Phillips, of St. Louis, at Phillips’ book-signing booth at the 2007 River City Reading Festival at the Lawrence Arts Center.

The River City Reading Festival will take a hiatus for 2009.

Altrusa International of Lawrence, which sponsored the festival the past two years, announced this week that it couldn’t secure enough sponsorships to support the festival this year.

“Although we are disappointed a 2009 event will not be conducted, we are energized and focusing our energies toward next year,” says Janet Horner, chair of the 2010 planning committee.

Altrusa International of Lawrence says the festival drew 900 attendees in 2007, its first year, and 1,200 last year. The 2007 headliner was Jim Lehrer, host of “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” on PBS, and the 2008 headliner was Thomas Frank, author of “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” and “The Wrecking Crew.”

The festivals also featured dozens of other local, state and regional authors.

Despite the setback, club officials say they’re considering changes to ensure the festival’s future. Those include holding the festival every two years instead of annually and to build on the festival’s success in attracting families with small children.

“The Altrusa Club of Lawrence is committed to the River City Reading Festival’s mission to celebrate literacy through a festival for children, teens and adults,” says Elois Allan, president of the club.