Festival to Go
Inspiring Young Readers Through Author Connections
A free literacy outreach program bringing published authors and illustrators directly to Rochester city schools. Every child receives a book chosen by our presenters!
Our Mission: Literacy for Every Child
Making Reading Personal and Meaningful
We believe that once a child meets the creator of a story, learns about the writing process, and receives one of the authors' books, that book becomes much more meaningful and likely to be read repeatedly and cherished.
We are an all-volunteer program of the Rochester Area Children's Writers & Illustrators group, which puts on the annual Rochester Children's Book Festival every November.
20+ Years of Impact
Since 2004, we've been visiting Rochester city schools each October, reaching thousands of students in grades 1-6 with engaging author presentations, workshops, and free books.
Completely Free
There is absolutely no cost to schools. Our volunteer authors waive their usual fees, and we secure grants to provide every student with their own book.
What Educators Are Saying
'Outstanding,' 'Fantastic,' 'Wonderful,' were just a few of the comments that came from teachers after the incredible presentations and workshops given by 21 local authors from the Rochester Area Children's Writers & Illustrators Organization as part of the Authors’ Festival to Go program.
The authors were engaging, warm, and enthusiastic. Afterwards, the students clamored to borrow the authors’ books from the library. It was such a blessing that the authors donated their books to our library, along with some other titles, so that we could immediately provide the books to our students.
What was especially nice about the festival is that all grades had an opportunity to see an author and learn some more. Usually we can only afford one author and have to target a grade or classroom.
Without the festival to go, they would never be able to see any type of author presentations at all. The inspiration, information and excitement about books and what it takes to become an author would be completely missed without this event.
Ready to Inspire Your Students?
Are you a Rochester area librarian or educator? Let's bring the magic of storytelling to your school.