From BGSU OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Bowling Green State University’s annual Literacy in the Park event will feature popular children’s author Patricia Polacco.
The Lansing native has written and illustrated more than 115 books for children in addition to being a playwright and penning for adults. She is a much-sought-after lecturer and keynote speaker. Some of her most popular books include “The Keeping Quilt,” “Thunder Cake” and “Thank you, Mr. Falker.”
Presented by BGSU’s College of Education and Human Development, Literacy in the Park will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29, at Perry Field House. The event is free and open to the public. Last year, more than 2,000 people attended the event.
Literacy in the Park, which has taken place for more than a decade, promotes the importance of literacy in the lives of children and features more than 40 interactive exhibitor booths and displays. The focus of the event has been expanded to address all of the different ways literacy is important in our lives. In addition to reading and writing activities, families will have opportunities to engage in activities about digital literacy, science and environmental literacy, financial literacy, nutritional literacy, physical education literacy and many other forms of literacy that can be found in their lives and communities.
In addition to these literacy-related activities going on throughout the day, there will also be entertainment on the main stage and two presentations from Polacco.
Born in Michigan, Polacco’s family on her mother’s side were Jewish immigrants from Russia and the Ukraine, and her father’s people were from the County of Limerick in Ireland. Both cultures valued and kept their history alive by storytelling. Her heritage and the themes of family traditions and storytelling feature prominently in her books, which touch on a wide variety of topics including bullying and understanding differences, learning disabilities, tradition and heritage, family relationships and more.
While there is no cost to attend, guests are encouraged to preregister to speed entry into the Field House. More information and registration is available at bgsu.edu/literacyinthepark.
Guests with disabilities are requested to indicate if they need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services, access@bgsu.edu 419-
