Archived News Release from 2011

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Public Library’s “Family Author Night” Program Presents Local Book Illustrator

Redwood City, CA - March 7, 2011 - For the last three years, the Redwood City Public Library and the Redwood City School District have partnered to promote books and reading to thousands of Redwood City students and their families, with the Family Author Night at Schools program. The new season of this renowned program is now underway, and the entire community is invited to attend these fun, festive events, held at a variety of local schools, to share in the love of books and reading.

This season features well-known local illustrator Elizabeth Gomez, who will be appearing at schools in March and April to talk about her work as a book illustrator, her paintings and other artworks, and her background and experience. Ms. Gomez, who painted the mural in the Family Place of the Downtown Library, will be happy to answer questions about her work in the world of book illustration, including her illustration of the book, The Upside Down Boy/ El Niño Boca Arriba, by Juan Felipe Herrera. Ms. Gomez’ website is www.elizabethgomezart.com/wp.

Families are invited to attend any of these upcoming dates to meet and talk with Ms. Gomez (all events start at 6:30 pm):

• March 16 - Selby Lane School, 170 Selby Lane
• March 17 - Fair Oaks School, 2950 Fair Oaks Avenue
• April 6 – Taft School, 903 10th Avenue
• April 7 - Garfield School, 3600 Middlefield Road
• April 28 - Hawes School - 909 Roosevelt Avenue

Family Author Night started in 2008 at Hoover School, to present a Latino author for a Spanish-language program, with simultaneous English translation. The events were scheduled at night so that not only students but their entire families could attend. That first year, the result was an exhilarating community event with over 375 people attending to hear award-winning author Francisco Jimenez speak.  Afterwards, kids happily stood in line for over an hour to get their books signed and to meet the real, live author.

The program was such a success that the Friends of the Library decided to sponsor it the following year, providing funds to extend the number of Family Author Nights. Thanks to the generosity and support of the Friends of the Library, the Family Author Nights in schools program continues in 2011.

The Redwood City Public Library offers many free programs for children, adults, and families, and is the learning center of our community. For more information about library events and services you may access the library’s home page at www.redwoodcity.org/library or call 780-7018.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

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Contact:
Cristina Thorson
Redwood City Library
650-780-7015