Southwest Florida Reading Festival returns after going virtual during COVID

Reporter: Michelle Alvarez Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
SWFL Reading Festival

The Southwest Florida Reading Festival has returned to its home at the Fort Myers Regional Library campus in downtown Fort Myers.

Saturday was filled with books, authors and their stories. This after last year’s event went virtual due to the pandemic.

Downtown Fort Myers was transformed into a giant library to celebrate the power of reading. The Southwest Florida Reading Festival had a little something for everyone. Whether it be crafts, the chance to meet a famous author, or pick up a new book, there was so much to choose from.

There were books for kids. “I’ve gotten this book. The ‘Hey There, Earth’…”

Miranda Paul and her husband, Baptiste, are both children’s authors. This is their first time at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. “We were invited in last night. I got the distinguished author award from the committee,” said Miranda.

“So far, we’ve seen a lot of people, a lot of kids around, so this is exciting. This is what it’s all about: kids and books,” said Baptiste.

WINK News wanted to ask both authors what their books are about. “They are meant to be inspirational but also empowering to let kids know that their voice matters and that they matter,” Miranda said.

“For me, it’s about representation. Most of my books I write have creole words. That’s the language I speak. I’m trying to represent the Haitian kids out here in this community, so they can see themselves represented in the pages of books,” Baptiste said.

Melissa Baker is the coordinator of the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. “It’s really important that we give a free book to every child and teen that comes. So, every year, the kids can come, and they get to choose their own perfect brand-new book from 1000s of popular titles that we order every year,” said Baker.

The event also shines a light on the library’s resources that are provided to everyone in the community. “We’re here to support you and enrich your lives, no matter what you need and when you need it,” Baker said.

Authors not only gave presentations about their books but did signings as well.

WINK News is a proud sponsor of the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. On Saturday morning, WINK News anchor Lois Thome read to children at the festival.

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