Preview: Authorfest Brings Authors, Illustrators to Winchester

On Thursday, April 12, more than 20 nationally recognized authors and illustrators will visit classrooms in all public elementary schools, , and to celebrate Authorfest.

Authorfest is a tradition that began more than a decade ago, founded by librarians and volunteers hoping to strengthen children’s love of reading. The goal of the program is to introduce children to authors who will instruct and inspire them. Authors visit every grade level and talk to students about how they write or illustrate and what skills are needed to publish a book. Children get to interact with the authors in a personal way that may translate to a greater interest in books and a love of reading. Parent volunteers, librarians and teachers will work with students in advanced by introducing them to the authors’ work.

Authorfest is funded by grants from the Winchester Foundation for Education Excellence, the En Ka society, contributions from each school's parents' organization, and by PISC, the parent inter-school council.

On the list of visiting authors are several Winchester locals including: Matt Tavares, Brian Lies, David Biedryzcki, Mark Peter Hughes, Ralph Masiello, Chris Demarest, Susan Lubner, Scott Magoon, Judith Jango-Cohen, Nancy Poydar, Loree Griffin Burns, Lita Judge, Barbara O'Connor, Timothy Basil Ering, David Elliott, Heather Panahi, Karen Day, Steve Krasner, Gareth Hinds and Francisco Stork.

After the students attend the author presentations in school, they and their families are invited to Town Hall from 3-5 p.m. to participate in a book sale and signing.