Festival of Tales to provide thousands of free children’s books and promote literacy

Families invited to enjoy a full day of storytelling and cultural activities at Festival of Tales

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) and Southwest Human Development are proud to partner in hosting the Winter Festival of Tales, a free community literacy event offering storytelling and cultural activities for children and families from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at Paradise Valley Community College.

The bi-annual festival brings reading to life through the “Art of Storytelling” and provides free books to children who participate in the day’s activities, which include demonstrations, vendors, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks and much more!

“Events like Festival of Tales are so beneficial for everyone involved because it helps develop an awareness, understanding and respect for other cultures and new ideas through the art of storytelling,” says PVCC education faculty and event organizer, Meggin Kirk. “Not only does this event enhance literacy skills and spark the imaginations of children, but it also ignites the passion in our students to pursue a number of different careers in education, business, or even nursing.”

Since its inception in 2009, Festival of Tales has attracted more than 15,500 people from Maricopa County and more than 25,000 books have been given away to children from low-income families.

According to a 2018 student, lack of access to books is a substantial barrier to reading with children and many low-income communities were found to have limited or no access to children’s books. Jake Adams, chief development officer at Southwest Human Development, says children without access to early literacy materials often face challenges as they enter school and prepare for their education.

“Learning and language development begins at birth with parents sharing stories and reading together with their young children,” says Adams. “If parents and caregivers don’t have access to high quality and age-appropriate books, what are they supposed to do? This is why we work to ensure that there are books in every home, for every child in our community, and Festival of Tales is the perfect place to launch that shared learning experience.”

Paradise Valley Community College is located at 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85032. Event activities will take place in and around the Kranitz Student Center (KSC). Free parking is available.

Festival of Tales is free and open to the public. Advanced online registration is recommended.

For more information, including registration and performance times, visit festivaloftales.com or call (602) 787-6562.



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