Press Release: December 18, 2008
Press Contact: Rebecca Juretic, (805) 541-5070
Public Contact: (805) 546-1392
Central Coast Book & Author Festival to Resume in October 2009
San Luis Obispo, CA - The Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries has announced that the 2009 Central Coast Book & Author Festival will be held on Sunday, October 4th in San Luis Obispo's Mission Plaza.
The event took a one-year hiatus to search for a new event chairperson. Los Osos resident, Maryellen Simkins has recently been named to that post.
Simkins comes from the legal field and was Firm Administrator with San Luis Obispo's Andre, Morris & Buttery, A Professional Law Corporation for 16 years. She has recently completed a term as Foreman of the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury. Simkins has worked with numerous local non-profit organizations, including a six-month term as Interim Executive Director of the Central Coast Natural History Association. She is currently a management consultant in the legal and non-profit sectors.
Simkins cites a love of reading and libraries as her motivation for volunteering as Festival Chairperson.
"Books are at the top of my list of favorite things," said Simkins. "Being able to see that the Festival will continue is a bonus for me.â€
The Central Coast Book & Author Festival will be moving from September to October in order to collaborate with the Central Coast Writer's Conference at Cuesta College, which is happening the same weekend. "We're hoping that the synergy created will make both events better and allow us to draw more authors and attendees to both events," said Simkins.
Currently, the festival is in need of volunteers and corporate sponsors. Volunteers may serve on any of the numerous festival committees, or assist on the day of the event.
Local businesses are sought to underwrite appearances by celebrity authors and to support activities such as the festival children’s area.
More information on the event, including vendor applications, will be available on the event website, www.ccbookfestival.org, in early 2009.
The Central Coast Book & Author Festival began in 1999 as a celebration of books and libraries. The festival includes exhibits by authors and publishers, book sales and signings, workshops and lectures, children's activities, and entertainment.
The festival is presented by the Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries. Proceeds will benefit such countywide library programs as the Children's Summer Reading Program, expanded Internet services at library branches, as well as new books, periodicals and audiovisual materials.
The Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which seeks to raise awareness and monies to strengthen our public libraries, believing that strong libraries help build, nourish and support our community by providing a rich environment for learning and appreciation of knowledge. A great library system benefits everyone in the county.
