October 14, 1999
To the Principal Addressed:
On November 6-7, 1999, the fourth annual Texas Book Festival, chaired by Texas First Lady Laura Bush, will be held in Austin on the west side of the Capitol. On hand to enlighten and entertain will be such outstanding personalities as adult authors of note: Roy Blount, Jr. (Be Sweet), CBS Anchor Dan Rather (Deadlines and Datelines), actor Edward James Olmos (Americanos: Latino Life in the United States), Scott Turow, Jane Smiley, Molly Ivins, Tim O’Brien, Peter Mathiessen and many more.
In recognition of the importance of reading in the lives of all Texas citizens, festival planners have organized many events designed specifically for younger readers. We are stressing this year that the TBF benefits public libraries in the state. Last year, over $250,000 was distributed to 107 libraries.
Besides being a free event for the whole family, the festival will have a special children’s area where participants can make story-related mementos, listen to storytellers, watch puppeteers, and meet the authors of some of their favorite books. Whether they are primary school children or young adults, all will have the opportunity to meet such authors as Cynthia DeFelice (Nowhere to Call Home), Brian Floca (Fire Trucks), Carmen Lomas (Family Pictures), John Bemelmans (Madeline in America and Other Holiday Tales), Louis Sachar (Holes) and many more that are listed on the Children’s Chapter section of the TBF website.
The Texas Education Agency is encouraging you to inform your staff and students about this enjoyable event. You can obtain more information about the Texas Book Festival by viewing its
website at www.austin360.com/texasbookfestival or by contacting the TBF office at (512) 477-4055. We know reading is important- this is
your opportunity to show your students that it can be fun, too.
Sincerely,
Jim Nelson
Commissioner of Education