1st Annual Freedom to Read Festival
We believe in the freedom to access and explore diverse ideas through literature, where everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. If you agree, join usfor a celebration of reading as we unite to protect books from censorship!
Saturday, December 16th, 2023
1. Discussions
11:00
Welcome Note
Welcome Note by Chanice Cruz, Alex Segura and District 28 Superintendent Dr Blake
11:10 – 11:25
Presentation Why YOUR Voice Matters Diane Burrows from the League of Women Voters
11:35 – 12:15
Discussion Discussing Diversity with Children Nick Bruel, Aram Kim, Dr Unseld Robinson, Desi Rainbow moderated by Carlos Hernandez
12:30 – 1:10
Inspiring Kids through Storytelling Kim Adams, Jacqueline Crann, David Ezra Stein moderated by Kew & Willow Books
1:40 – 2:20
Standing Up Against Censorship Jennifer Baker, Nick Bruel, Carlos Hernandez, Joanie Leeds moderated by Alex Segura
2. Author Storytelling
11:05
Picture Book
Sharing is the New Cool
JACQUELINE CRANN
11:30
Picture Book, 5+
Interrupting Chicken
DAVID EZRA STEIN
12:05
Picture Book, 5+
Coloring Book
KRISTINA LUCIA PEZZA
12:30
Picture Book, 2-6
Neither by Airlie Anderson
presented by DESI RAINBOW
12:55
Picture Book, 4+
Bad Kitty Christmas
NICK BRUEL
11:30
Picture Book,
Billy Be Kind
KIM ADAMS
1:55
Picture Book
Tae Kwon Do
ARAM KIM
3. Creative Workshops
11:05
Kids
Open Coloring Time
with KRISTINA LUCIA PEZZA
11:15
Adults
Adult Poetry Workshop
with CHANICE CRUZ
12:20
All Ages
Journaling Workshop
with DR UNSELD ROBINSON
1:20
Kids, 7+
Drawing Workshop
with DAVID EZRA STEIN
All Day, All Ages
Poetry Wall
Share your words with the world on our poetry wall
All Day, All Ages
Dear Banned Author
Write a note to your favorite banned authors. We’ll mail them out after the event!
4. Live Performances
12:00-12:30
Puppet Theater
Kids, ages 2-4
Kneading Thoughts Theater Company
2:30 – 3:00
Musical Performance
Joanie Leeds
Grammy award winning singer /songwriter Joanie Leeds protests against the controversial banned books movement with her new record FREADOM.
