In 1999, the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. created the Children’s Reading Festival (CRF) whose purpose was to encourage parents to foster a love of reading in their children at a young age. 20 years later, the festival has become the largest literary event on the island.

This year’s event is scheduled for November 2, 2019 in Victoria Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ms. Nina Jacobs, President of the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter said, “In celebration of the Children’s Reading Festival’s 20th anniversary, the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter has committed to giving away 2,000 books at this year’s event. We encourage parents, grandparents, and caregivers of young children to bring them to the park and enjoy an atmosphere custom designed to highlight the joys of literacy.”

In addition to free books there will be resources available to provide parents with techniques to engage young children in reading and to help build their literacy skills. The Bermuda Youth Library will be participating, as will a speech and language pathologist. Bright Isle will be displaying a selection of tools to create a culture of learning in the home.

As is traditional, there will also be fun for the children which includes storytelling, face painting, fun castles, free popcorn and more.

• Press release from CRF 2019 Committee