WHEREAS,
The importance of book fairs cannot be understated and for seventeen years the African American Children's Book Fair has enhanced multi-culturalism in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; 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 4,500 people attended the Fair in 2009; and
WHEREAS,
Rich or poor, no one leaves empty handed as the books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable and posters, bookmarkers, and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and
WHEREAS,
One of the esteemed attendees will be Marie Dutton Brown, who
Black Enterprise
has named as one of the major African-American players in the publishing and international literary community. Brown has also been dubbed the Godmother of African American books because of her commitment to go to bat for her clients, black writers and year public professionals, and a democratic multicultural society in general; and
WHEREAS,
The Fair is also lucky to host a terrific author, Walter Dean Myers, who is the DEAN of children's books and has received a variety of awards for his books, including the ALA Notable books, the Coretta Scott King Award for Fiction, the Parents' Choice Award, IRA Teachers' Choice Award, and the Michael L. Printz Award; and
WHEREAS,
The 18th Annual African American Book Fair will be held free of charge on Saturday February 6th from one to three pm at the gymnasium of 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 Marie Dutton Brown and Walter Dean Myers 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, Marie Dutton Brown and Walter Dean Myers for their hard work and efforts in the promotion of children's literacy, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End