Whitneyville Readfest

Books & Company and Legal Grounds, the used book store and coffee bar on Whitney Ave. in Hamden, will host the Whitneyville ReadFest, from Friday, April 20th at noon through Sunday, April 22nd. This free event will celebrate the National Week of the Young Child and the value of reading in the lives of children and families. Proceeds will benefit Reach Out and Read (www.reachoutandread.org), the family literacy initiative at Fair Haven Community Health Center (www.fhchc.org).

From noon to 4pm each day of the festival, volunteer performers will entertain children and families,reading aloud favorite books and poetry for children of all ages. Saturday and Sunday 1PM to 2 PM will feature bilingual (Spanish/English) reading.

Other fun activities include music, a puppet show, crafts for kids, and "Where the Wild Things Are" face painting. New and gently used children's books can be donated all weekend to provide books for families in Fair Haven through the Fair Haven Community Health Center. All events will take place at Books & Co./Legal Grounds, 1235 Whitney Avenue (corner of Putnam Ave) in Hamden.

Local literacy and child enrichment organizations will also be on hand to share information about their programs and how the community can get involved.

"We're local businesses who are dedicated to giving back to our local community," stated Teresa Fields, owner of Legal Grounds. "We believe in the value of the work that Reach Out and Read is doing in Fair Haven." "Sponsoring a festival that benefits them and promotes the joys of books and reading is close to our hearts," added Linda Mooser, owner of Books & Company.

For more information, visit the Whitneyville ReadFest on Facebook or call Linda (203-248- 9449) or Evelyn, with Fair Haven Community Health Center, Nurturing Families Network at (203-430-6328).