WHEREAS, For over a decade the African American Children’s Book Fair has enhanced multi-culturalism in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; and
WHEREAS, The importance of book fairs can not be understated as for many of our youth use reading to better know the world around them and use books to help them develop into well educated adults; and
WHEREAS, One of the most important reasons to encourage reading in our children is that studies show that the more our youth read the more likely they are to make positive lifestyle decisions as they grow older; and
WHEREAS, Strictly judging by attendance the fair is a tremendous success as well over 3,500 people attended last year’s event; and
WHEREAS, Rich or poor, no one leaves empty handed as posters bookmarkers and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and
WHEREAS, The books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable than in many of the bookstores in the region; and
WHEREAS, Many of the authors and illustrators will be in attendance as well as local celebrities to further enhance the excitement and vibrancy that the book fair exudes; and
WHEREAS, One of the esteemed illustrators in attendance will be Philadelphian E.B. Lewis the recipient of the highly prized 2003 Coretta Scott King Award; and
WHEREAS, The 12th
Annual African American Book Fair will be held free of charge on Saturday, February 7, 2004
from 1 to 3 PM at the Community College of Philadelphia located at 17th & Spring Garden Streets; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the African American Children’s Book Project and illustrator E.B. Lewis on the occasion of the Annual African American Children’s Book Fair.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the African American Children’s Book Project and illustrator E.B. Lewis for their hard work and efforts in the promotion of children’s literacy, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End