By Julian Cavazos
BYU Conferences and Workshops will hold its 20th annual Symposium for Young Readers at the Provo City Library today and tomorrow.
Children 13 years and older, as well as teachers, parents and fans of children’s books will get to attend workshops and meet nationally acclaimed authors. The symposium will occur today and Friday, July 12 and 13.
“You can expect two fun-filled days of meeting with authors and illustrators,” said Gene Nelson, Provo City Library director. “It’s so much fun meeting writers you enjoy reading.”
Guest authors and illustrators this year are David Macaulay, Gary Paulsen, Janette Rallison, Suzanne Fisher Staples, Stephen Johnson and Ann Cannon.
“We wanted to choose people well-known who have published quite a bit,” said Mike Tunnell, co-chair of symposium planning committee. “We want award-winning authors who will be a draw for the conference.”
Each guest will hold autograph sessions and informal discussion groups on their writing experiences.
“Sometimes they talk about publishing industry, their experiences in working with editors, publishing houses, agencies,” Tunnell said. “It seems like they’re also always interested in discovering the back story to books that they know.
A question-and-answer session will also be held for each guest.
Tunnell said getting children to read, sets up the world for a brighter future.
“If you believe children are our future, you have to see a personal value on the reading process,” Tunnell said. “It will perpetuate society.”
Registration is $149 for the full symposium, $109 for the Thursday-only session, and $79 for the Friday-only session.
For more information, contact BYU Conferences and Workshops at (801) 422-2568 or Provo City Library at (801) 852-6650.
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