On Saturday August 29, 2015, Clinton Public Library will host the first-ever Clinton Book Festival at the CPL-Lyons grounds and Foursquare Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The theme for this one-day festival is “A Celebration of Books, Reading, and the Book Arts,” and will primarily focus on writers, readers, and artists from Clinton and surrounding Iowa-Illinois Gateway area communities. According to CPL Director Brad Wiles, the aim of the festival is to stimulate and entertain those in attendance by showcasing the individuals and organizations contributing to the vibrant literary culture of the region. “I continue to be amazed as I learn about different authors, book clubs, and creative projects currently underway,” Wiles said. “We would like to highlight these efforts and hopefully create an event that will contribute to the cultural richness of the area over the long term.”
The festival will include concurrent sessions on the grounds of the Clinton Public Library at Lyons and the adjacent Foursquare Park. The programs will consist of readings, discussions, presentations, demonstrations, and other activities geared toward book lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Other space on the festival grounds will be designated for exhibit booths, food vendors, and community information. Wiles said that a number of personalities with statewide and national literary acclaim have been confirmed on the program including Dan Wardell of Iowa Public Television and Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swander. “Though the event is local and regional in focus, we wanted to have a few marquee guests to widen the appeal and give the festival a good start,” Wiles said.
Clinton Public Library is the organizer and sponsor of the event and the festival was awarded a grant from Humanities Iowa to cover most of the costs, but Wiles said they are still looking for help from the community to make the event a success. “We are accepting sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and session participants through the end of June, so anyone who is interested is welcome to join us,” Wiles said. For more information about or to be part of the Clinton Book Festival, contact Brad Wiles at bwiles@clintonpubliclibrary.us or 563-242-9115.