PioneerValley.org

Children’s authors, best selling authors, PBS Kids characters, music, readings, and the opportunity to support public television are but a few of the many people and activities slated for WGBY’s Book Fair in partnership with area Barnes & Noble stores November 14, 15, & 16.

WGBY’s free events are scheduled mornings, afternoons, and evening for all three days. Attendees will enjoy fun New England fall days filled with numerous literary and musical events at the Barnes & Noble stores in Hadley at 335 Russell Street; in Pittsfield at 555 Hubbard Avenue, and in Holyoke at 7 Holyoke Street in western Massachusetts, as well as at the Enfield store in the Enfield Commons on 55 Hazard Street in Enfield, Connecticut.

If making a purchase at the stores, people should tell Barnes & Noble that the purchase is to support WGBY, according to Charley Rose, WGBY Director of Corporate Support and Special Events.

“This event offers a great way to start your holiday shopping, attend a great event, and support WGBY at the same time,” said Rose.

Among the notables appearing will be author John Elder Robison, author of Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Aspergers, a New York Times bestseller. Robison is brother of Augustin Burroughs.

Pulitzer Prize winning author and Mt. Holyoke College professor of history Joseph John Ellis will also be on hand. Ellis penned Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation and His Excellency: George Washington.

Richard Todd, former editor of The Atlantic Monthly, The New England Monthly, and author of numerous articles for Harper’s The Atlantic Monthly, New York Times Magazine, and others will be on had to offer readings and signings of his recently published book The Thing Itself.

Carole O’Malley Gaunt, author of Hungry Hill, her memoir of growing up in an Irish-Catholic neighborhood in Springfield, will be on hand for signings and readings as well as Jane Yolen, children’s book illustrator Jane Dyer, and Pulitzer Prize winner, historian Joseph John Ellis.

Ed Klekowski, will speak about his new documentary, Model T’s to Glory. He is also the producer of Under Quabbin, The Great Flood of 1936, and Dynamite; Whiskey and Wood: The Connecticut River Log Drives, 1870-1915.

And no such event would be complete without an appearance by PBS Kids superstars Curious George and WordGirl who will meet and greet children of all ages.

Music will be provided by The Wildwood Band, The Grace Notes, The Grapes, The MacDuffie Singers, and the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School a capella group Five Alone.

A complete schedule of Book Fair activities is available online at www.wgby.org/bookfair

WGBY (www.wgby.org), a community supported public broadcasting organization, connects the people of western New England to events, ideas and each other to fulfill their aspirations, enrich their lives and improve their communities. We do this through PBS programming as well as locally produced series and specials. With our digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region’s most accessible institutions, building a stronger community through learning and understanding.