News from Detroit Bookfest: Birdie’s Bookmobile Returns to Bookfest for More Kids’ Activities and Book Donations

News from Detroit Bookfest: Birdie’s Bookmobile Returns to Bookfest for More Kids’ Activities and Book Donations

Birdie’s Bookmobile Returns to Bookfest for More Kids’ Activities and Book Donations

Birdie’s Bookmobile, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating book deserts and getting books into the hands and homes of children and families in Detroit, will return to this year’s Detroit Festival of Books with programming for kid attendees.Birdie’s Bookmobile has distributed over 40,000 free books in partnership with local schools and community organizations with 20,000 books supporting adult literacy. This year’s Bookfest will be Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Detroit’s Eastern Market.

In addition to accepting donations of children’s and young adult books, Birdie’s Bookmobile will offer several fun activities for children including:

  • Storytime and a pool-themed reading area chock full of children’s books where kids can kick back and relax.
  • Once Upon a Time — a collective story written by children attendees. The finished story will be available to read on the Birdie’s Bookmobile website after Bookfest.
  • Create Your Own Comic Strip

There is no general admission fee at Bookfest nor is there a charge for kids’ activities.

Book donations will increase the number of books children in Detroit can access at home, promote shared reading experiences, and improve literacy outcomes.

Birdie’s Bookmobile accepts new and gently used

  • board books
  • picture books
  • early readers
  • chapter books
  • graphic novels
  • middle-grade books
  • young-adult books

“Community partners are the backbone of our organization. With their help, Birdie’s Bookmobile has distributed 40,000 free books to children and families in Detroit,” said Alyce Hartman, founder and executive director of Birdie’s Bookmobile.

“We are thrilled that Birdie’s Bookmobile is returning to Bookfest,” said Ryan M. Place, the book festival’s founder and chairman. “This organization does so much to ensure all Detroit children have an opportunity to build their own libraries and develop a life-long love of reading.”

The Detroit Festival of Books takes place Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Sheds 4 and 5 in Detroit’s Eastern Market. The event is free. Photos of the 2023 Bookfest are available for download and use via this link.

News from Detroit Bookfest: Birdie’s Bookmobile Returns to Bookfest for More Kids’ Activities and Book Donations

News from Detroit Bookfest: Detroit Festival of Books featured on Fox 2 News

DETROIT – Many thanks to Jamie Sherrod at Fox 2 Detroit for featuring Bookfest on the news. Sherrod interviewed Bookfest founder and chairman Ryan M. Place last Thursday about the upcoming seventh-annual event on Sunday, July 21, 2024.Place discussed the origins of the event, and the event’s featuring booksellers and authors from all across North America, book donations, and many fun activities for kids. “There’ll be tons of great vendors, lots of food, and lots of fun,” Place said.

Watch the interview by clicking here.

News from Detroit Bookfest: Birdie’s Bookmobile Returns to Bookfest for More Kids’ Activities and Book Donations

News from Detroit Bookfest: Bookfest Gearing Up for 7th Annual Event

DETROIT – With just one month left, the all-volunteer Detroit Festival of Books is making final preparations for the seventh-annual Bookfest on Sunday, July 21.

Bookfest is expanding beyond its traditional venue in Shed 5. For the first time in its history, Bookfest will also be present inside portions of Shed 4, the Russell Street parking area adjoining Shed 4, and the plaza adjoining Shed 5.

“It’s becoming a much bigger event than it was when we started in 2017” said Ryan M. Place, founder and chairman of Bookfest. “We’ll have more booksellers, authors, and organizations with children’s programming. And we’ll have more volunteers to make sure Bookfest is a fun experience for everyone. Stay tuned!”

The Detroit Festival of Books will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. Admission is free. Photos of the 2023 Bookfest are available for download and use via this link.