May 30, 2026
Raising Cain’s Delaware will be jumping in today to provide some FREE incentives to be reading, as a part of the Delaware Summer Reading Program!
Meet our Festival of Words authors in a special ceremony starting at 11:00 at either Raising Cain’s location and do not miss a chance to be a part of winning future chances to WIn Win Win, all based on literacy!
We’d love to see you and the authors have some exciting ways to involve the whole family in literacy this summer!
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May 26, 2026
This Saturday, at the Dover Raising Cain’s, you have a chance to meet a dynamic author that impacts families through literacy! Angelo Menefee!
Check out the podcast we did with Mr. Menefee:
Episodes 1:
https://riverside.fm/shared/exported-clip/7dacf990a20b84466b38
and
Episode 2:
https://riverside.fm/shared/exported-clip/043d8ce27c43053053cb
Author Angelo Menefee, we think you will agree, is an amazing example of why literacy and families are so important. In order to influence and motivate and influence our community in several ways, school and public libraries rely on commitments such as this author.
We’d love for you to see this author this Saturday in Dover from 11:00 – 2:00 PM!
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May 25, 2026
Memorial Day ties to Festival of Words and Delaware Authors – Part III.
In our third connection to Festival of Words and Delaware authors, we are looking at Connie and Kent Matsumoto.
With her historical fiction focus on real-life events from World War II, we remember all aspects of what history and memorializing those that were involved in history in so many ways. Some we hope history does NOT repeat, especially with conflicts, but yet, we cannot deny the need to memorial those that made such an impact.
This amazing impact is heard through the podcast we conducted with Connie Matsumoto on May 2nd at the Children’s Book Festival that was held at Milton Public Library.
https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/d3826de1f7ea81b0ce76
Thanks to the Milton Public Library, I was able to conduct this interview in one of their conference rooms during the festival.
Even more exciting is you will be able to see Connie Matsumoto at one of our first Meet and Greet event at the Newark Raising Cain’s- you will not want to miss this!
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May 24, 2026
Memorial Day ties to Festival of Words and Delaware Authors – Part II.
In this second day of Memorial Day Weekend, we cannot be grateful enough for discovering author Dante Brizill – from Polytech High School! Thanks to Joy Bohn, at the Polytech Library, connecting us to this History teacher and author, (what school libraries can do) – we discovered so many individuals that matter in history that we might not often find in. history books. One specific example was the story of Dorie Miller as Mr, Brizill references on Delmarva Life.
Dante Brizill is Telling Us about Dorie Miller, an Unsung Hero During the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
Without a doubt, Mr. Brizill’s presence at Festival of Words showed why literacy is so important when it informs so many of what they do not know.
What we are excited about is that Mr. Brizill will be featured as an author, at Raising Cain’s Meet and Greet an author on August 8th at the Dover location- which you will NOT want to miss. Check back here again thjs weekend as we will share the podcast we did with Mr. Brizill as well.
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May 24, 2026
On May 30th, what a better way to kick off summer reading ideas
than to introduce literacy to our communities? Thanks to a partnership with Raising Cain’s, Festival of Words, sponsored in part by the Delaware Library Association, will begin to introduce literacy in many forms from youth to adults!
In Dover – you will not want to miss Angelo Menefee!
In Newark, you will not want to miss Connie Matsumoto!
For more information about Delaware’s summer reading program check here:
https://lib.de.us/signup/
Please come out to one of two locations to support Festival of Words and literacy in the Delaware community!
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May 23, 2026
Memorial Day ties to Festival of Words and Delaware Authors – Part I.
Memorial Day- the true, true meaning of today goes much deeper than th extended holiday given to each if us- and it is beneficial to step back and find differing stories that define this day, and especially this year, as we lead up to the 250th birthday of the United States.
We were blessed at the 26th Annual Festival of Words in 2026 to represent the theme of Origins through several presentations and authors that represent the history of who we are as a country.
One of the most profound presentations we will look at from Festival of Words 2026 is The Real Women of Vietnam. Presented. by Nancy. E. Lynch, and thanks to the Delaware Humanities Speaker program,
This was made possible to be a valuable part of the Festival of Words thanks in part to the sponsorship of the Delaware Library Association and the Delaware Humanities’ Speakers Program:
In trying to define what are the Humanities, as well as what the Humanities are in Delaware, I do believe it is as simple as discovering who we each are as individuals as we well as who we are as a community (be it state, county, country and several other hundreds communities we belong to!).
When we podocasted with the Delaware Humanities, we delved into what are the Humanities to each of us? Discovering, investigating, reporting, examining, contemplating, reflecting, the Delaware Humanities are who we are as a first state as well and who we were when the Constitution was signed. Thanks to the speaker program, we were able to represent one aspect of our Delaware history at Festival of Words with Author Nancy E. Lynch. One story that sticks with me, that occurred after Festival of Words, sticks with me.
Presenter Nancy E. Lynch provided such a wide view into our past, this was a spectacular presentation to all ages. Based on Kristin Hannah’s book The Women, there are VERY few presenters that could bring the realities of this history that ties our state of Delaware, to the realities of the sacrifices made and worthy of honoring these sacrifices on Memorial Day. as Author Nancy E. Lynch does. Add to this the history of the presentation Vietnam Mailbag, Festival of Words was so lucky to have the Delaware Humanities and Nancy E. Lynch side by side.
One story that was brought to my attention after Festival of Words shows how presenters, authors, and stories discovered at Festival of Words goes beyond the event itself.
A few days later, in talking with a neighbor and veteran he asked me if I was aware of Operation Baylift. I did not- but in less than five minutes, I was aware of the tragedy and yet monumental sacrifice that was made by the women in this evacuation.
“The sacrifice of these women brings honor to their country, to their colleagues at DIA, and to themselves and their families. Their names are listed on thePatriots’ Memorialamong the other DIA patriots who died contributing to our national security.” – https://www.dia.mil/News-Features/Articles/Article-View/Article/566960/remembering-the-first-operation-babylift-flight/
If you are still asking what the Humanities are, again, a story that is a VERY important memorial event such as this one singular event, shows how many Origin stories help make up who we are as a country, as a community, as a human. From young to old, there are countless, COUNTLESS opportunities to learn about how history has helped define all of these aspects. Good and bad. To try and remove any aspect of this historical information is ultimately removing one of these opportunities throughout the years, leading to our 250th Anniversary as a nation. The Festival of Words is devoted to bringing all origin stories to so many on multiple levels,
The Delaware Library Association’s partial sponsorship of the 26th Festival of Words, alongside sponsors like the Delaware Humanities makes this possible. Thank you Nancy E. Lynch for being a part of delivering this important aspect of literacy to so many in May, and we look forward to later today also recognizing histories in the form of stories that ring true on Memorial Day. Stay tuned for an additional author spotlight on historical literacy from right here in Delaware- from Festival of Words.
In the meantime, take advantage of the amazing events and speakers the Delaware Division of Humanities offers. Stay tuned here to stay plugged in to how Delaware’s own Festival of Words, in part sponsored by The Delaware Library Association, as well as by The Delaware Center for the Book, a state affiliate of the National Center for the Book at the Library of Congress AND The Institute of Museum and Library Services, as well as countless other sponsors, bring so much to so many. It is easy to see why Histories, Origin Stories, the Humanities, and literacy all come together to represent and celebrate who we are at Festival of Words each year!
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May 21, 2026
A huge, huge thank you to Kristin Pleasanton, who I was lucky enough to say thank you to, in person, at the Biggs Musuem. She is retiring but is responsible for being the reason I entered the Delaware State Employee Art Gallery every year. She is a magical force when it comes to art. Thanks to the Delaware Division of Arts, Festival of Words attendees were able to travel from afar AND meet authors and artists. Fitting that connects with Ms. Pleasanton. She always opened windows for so many to express themselves.
You are amazing Ms. Pleasanton and thank young for making literacy, in all its forms, available to so many Delaware Division of the Arts!
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May 18, 2026
For the third year in a row, Woodbridge High School students have demonstrated their dedication to community, leadership, and civic engagement.
The Woodbridge Raiders actively contributed to several impactful initiatives, including preparing lunches for local residents in collaboration with the Delaware Food Bank, creating quilted squares destined for quilts benefiting homeless Delawareans, and embarking on projects aimed at shaping a brighter future for the state.
The students’ efforts reflect the core values that define the Woodbridge Raiders: leadership, school pride, character, respect for themselves and others, and a commitment to personal excellence. These qualities were on full display at the recent Senator Coons Delaware Congressional Delegation Youth Conference, where Woodbridge students began translating their voices, ideas, and solutions into meaningful action for their community and state.
Then there was the fact that the Senators and Congresswoman found themselves in our Raider yearbook 🙂
Through these initiatives, Woodbridge High continues to foster a culture of service and civic responsibility, proving that the next generation of Delawareans is ready to make a tangible difference.
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May 17, 2026
November 4, 2025 – I remember filling out a contact form for author, Ms. Malinda Lo, and wondered if a possibility would exist to have this author for the 26th annual Festival of Words. At the time, perhaps the fact that Ms. Malinda Lo had been a 2021 National Book Award winner for the book Last Night at the Telegraph Club, looking back now, the push to find a way to bring Ms. Lo to Woodbridge seems a little surreal and so treacherous in delving into the unknown about how Festival of Words would occur – yet, realizing that all seemed destined on how natural it seemed to have Ms. Lo be an integral part of Festival of Words.
Alot of realizations occur when you are willing to open up to possibilities of the experiences authors bring to your own. I realize this every year at the Library of Congress Book Festival and was blessed to realize this was the case with Ms. Lo. Her ease, sense of confidence, and ability to direct her message to the very soul of so many, and still be able to draw the inquiry of so many youth were a testament to how much her presence meant to youth and adults alike. it was an honor to have someone that was willing to share the confidence as a writer, as well as a reader, with the general public. Again, I was wishing that hundreds more would be willing to see and hear her message that cut to the chase and emboldened so many and yet, this was a magical moment for those witnessing her as a speaker at Festival of Words.
With Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay introducing Ms. Lo with exceptionally poised student Ebony Torres Martinez, Festival of Word’s theme of Origins was supported to sit with each of us. The Lt. Governor was able to personally refocus each of us in directing that reading has the ability to contain each of our own Origin stories, and that reading is our own start to so much that can lead anywhere. The time, thought and effort that the Lt. Governor put into being a part of Festival of Words, aligning herself with the goals, aims, and theme of Origins as a starting point, it just felt so powerful to accentuate the role that literacy plays and the various ways it can impact our lives.
Seeing the Lt. Governor mingle with so many people that wanted to chat and meet her before Ms. Malinda Lo’s talk- only emphasized the magical feeling that one can receive when in Delaware as described in the post below from Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay:
“Literature extends beyond words on a page, it’s a conduit for discovery, creativity, and hope. That value makes it paramount to support statewide literacy efforts, those of the Delaware Library Association, which hosted its 26th annual Festival of the Words. This great event focused on teaching students to not only love reading and writing, but to recognize it as a tool to ignite change. I was grateful to take part in the day, helping deliver that important message.” – Lt. Governor Gay
When engaging Ms. Malinda Lo in conversation, WHS student asked two main questions to start off with-
Origin story – As you know the theme for this years festival of words is origin stories, as a woman, a member and advocate of the LGBTQIA community but also as an asian american what would you say one of your origin stories is, whether thats a defining moment or even a length of time?
In all of your books you mention there being a theme of leaving home in one way or another, you actually have a book in the works to be released in 2027, Something Inside Me Knows, tell us a little about it and if you would describe this memoir as your official origin story?
The depth and ability to reach all attendees in her responses – as well as the poignant and direct way Ms. Lo addressed what it means to be a woman in a world filled with designations of “who you are” in the eyes of others, resonated with so many. Many questions followed that showed an uncertainty if youth were on the correct path to who they wanted to be, to become, to grow into, and I realized had Ms. Lo been a National Book Award winner or not, her strength of being confident in who SHE was, was the exact reason why she was the perfect fit for Origins and Festical of Words 2026.
I would love to look back and say that I knew from the beginning that Ms. Lo was the perfect choice in 2025 for 2026’s Festival of Words. I definitely cannot give myself any of that credit- as up to that point, I had not read any of her books. In 2026 I delved into Ash and was intrigued with the concept of Cinderella retold in a different way. However, when I finished Last Night at the Telegraph Club, I realized the same methodical, relaxed, direct style of writing was what drew me into recognizing Ms. Lo as an influence worth just sitting down to chat with. her down to earth persona with the directness of being yourself and being true to your craft, despite the “noise” that occurs around us – is the most important thing- that resonated over and over without her sometimes even having to say it.
I loved the fact that we had the experience to have three confident women in the house at Festival of Words to relay a message of confidence, hope, and strength when may times we see messages of fear, weakness and doubt being sown among so many. I know so many attending realized what a gift literacy can be when you have individuals like the Lt. Governor Gay Malinda Lo, and student Ebony willing to provide an inquiry into who we are amid such often conflicting message concerning so many issues such as book banning, LGBTQ genres/headlines, writing, and so much more. When I say we were blessed to have Ms. Lo as a guest motivator, I mean that in its fullest sense. One of countless ways that Festival of Words serves to surprise you, motivate you, and let you move on amid challenging times that often make you question who we are as individuals. Thank you Lt,. Governor Gay, Ebony, and especially Malinda Lo for helping remind us no matter where we originate from in the many stories of ourselves, being true to the person inside each of us and receptive to possibilities is still a reality of literacy today!
I was grateful for my cousin who was able top provide transportation to and from the airport to us in Greenwood, DE, as well as the fact that Ms. Lo was surprised we asked her to be a guest in Greenwood, DE. I feel the need to really have such powerful figures in our literary experience such as Ms. Lo and Ms. Kyle Evans Gay, as well as the amazing woman Ebony will be in the future, is never to be underestimated and never to be taken for granted when asking, how can we make something happen to impact another. Festival of Words certainly is a vehicle to reintroduce us, in a variety of ways, to fall in love with literacy in a variety of ways, a conduit as lt. Governor stated, to possibilities we might not have realized or strayed far away from. But it is a hunger that only grows if you allow it to harbor space and possibility in your mind and are willing to open yourself to the possibilities that await each of us, no matter our Origin story.
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May 15, 2026
The Lt. Governor’s message on the theme of Origins and reading starting with each of us was POINT ON! We loved seeing you Lt. Governor Gay!
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May 14, 2026
Thank you Seaford Star to taking time to recognize Festival of Words. When the whole state comes together, it is amazing how and what can occur- it was an amazing day!
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May 13, 2026
We are so appreciative of Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester’s kind words and how amazing things can happen when youth come together – thank you all you was a part of Festival of Words, 2026!
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May 10, 2026
Spotlights behind and in front of the Festival of Words – Episode 1 of MANY!
It was an amazing day so stay tuned while we spotlight amazingness from FOW, here for the next 6 months- (Hope that is enough time to get it all in!)
Know this – the collaborations between our school library and the public libraries of Bridgeville Public Library and Greenwood Public Library are unmatched with how grateful we are for their support- Ms Karen Johnson Kemp, Hilary Fudge, Melissa Johnson, Andrew Knestaut – THEY ARE AMAZING and were the backbone of people being interested in all things library. They are powerful librarians and again, one of the mainstays of why school libraries depend on public libraries.
Advice, funding, countless times with her husband and herself hauling tables back and forth to our school, and jumping in and making things work without saying a word, taking photos = Karen has always been the reason that the Festival of Words has been successful since last year. She is relentless, tireless, and generous- and is not shy about sharing those qualities with youth to make sure they have opportunities that can go anywhere.
Melissa, Andrew, and Hilary are POWERHOUSES of creativity, dependability and knowledge, talent, and ability that bring SO much to the table anytime literacy is concerned. Make sure you bookmark these links and with your involvement in their activities, out community libraries will only grow.
The Vinyl Listening Lounge and the Mastering Stress session you will NOT want to forget about!
Their Bike Rodeo and Unearthing a story are opportunities you will NOT want to miss!
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May 8, 2026
Things to take in at Festival of Words May 9th! Thank you vendors and Hungry Howie’s Pizza!
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May 5, 2026
Artisan’s Alley – You will NOT want to miss seeing these Amazing Artisan’s and community members Saturday, May 9th!
https://sites.google.com/wsd.k12.de.us/fow2026/timeline/artisans-alley?authuser=0
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May 3, 2026
Have you registered for May 9th’s event?
https://forms.gle/LKWN14DKkhdcda5U7
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April 25, 2026
TODAY!
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/LLD/lunch-lady/
Celebrate our Lunch Heroes and see Jarrett Krosoczka personally at Festival of Words May 9th!
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/LLD/lunch-lady/
We would love to grab a picture of your cafeteria staff that day with him-
Why a Summit as part of Festival of Words 2026?
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April 24, 2026
Woodbridge High students podcasted today with TWO authors – two amazing authors- Elizabeth DeJesus-
https://arts.delaware.gov/iafrecipients/2023_iafs/liz-dejesus/
AND tied to AN amazing sponsor of Festival of Words, the Delaware Division of Arts
https://arts.delaware.gov/
AND Marc Tyler Nobleman-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkDA3nhfMSQ
AND visiting the amazing bookstore in Milford – The Crafty Reader.
https://craftyreaderde.com/
Stay tuned for a weekend of amazing podcasts the students have been doing all related to Festival of Words
https://sites.google.com/wsd.k12.de.us/fow2026?usp=sharing
and a BIG announcement that will be an interactive experience with the community. So much is happening, and you will NOT want to miss seeing it all at Festival of Words, May 9th!
To top it off, did you realize students are inviting organization in DE to be part of the FIRST EVER student-led substance misuse summit – to tie literacy to show reading is an intervention – as Ms. Lisa Messina from Courageous Hearts
https://www.courageoushearts.us/
clearly stated (more on that amazing interview soon).
When you give youth the driver’s seat, there is no limit to the connections they can make to open doors for others to also lead.
April 23, 2026
Excited to be doing a podcast with Marc Nobleman Tyler tomorrow- he’s coming to Festival of Words 2026!
https://www.marctylernobleman.com/
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April 22, 2026
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April 20, 2026
Last year of Delmarva Life, I talked about how exciting Festival of Words would be.
Tonight, students Ebony and Gabriel on Delmarva Life discussed Festival of Words and they did an amazing job. Stay tuned for the link if you missed tonight’s episode about Festival of Words.
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVJClcDze4qWvtm9c40tEs-pb8iXd8DQeQR3mlSh23RsNdg/viewform
Links for Festival of Words
https://www.facebook.com/festivalofwordsde
https://www.instagram.com/festivalofwordsde/
https://sites.google.com/wsd.k12.de.us/fow2026?usp=sharing
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April 19, 2026
April 25th is Independent Book Store Day (but you can be working on your passport today!)
In North America!
https://www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day/map
– in EVERY Independent Book Store in DE-
https://easternshoreindies.com/
have you started on your scavenger hunt yet?
Passport here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iwDymHYB-wNMAdJO7v-4UEyTrWW1dDLj/view?usp=sharing
Why Independent Book Stores?
https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/6049a18121bf14ed1544
At Huxley and Hiro
We will have story time, author events, exclusive merchandise, sales, libro.fm golden ticket scavenger hunt, prize wheel and more!
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April 17, 2026
You will NOT want to miss seeing Clooney and author Chris Strassel at Festival of Words. An amazing story and program that gives back to the canine community- each purchase benefits another needy furry friend!
Check out the podcast we had with the author here:
https://drive.google.com/…/139E0PaX0lQPqQXqdoB…/view…
her visit on Delmarva Life:
https://www.wboc.com/…/video_ac087f4c-d889-5518-abeb…
Clooney Coats! :
https://www.instagram.com/clooneyscoats/
Part of series on reading with Kids (29 seconds into this!)
https://sites.libsyn.com/94222/size/5/?search=chris+strassel
and yes – Ms Strassel with have her own elementary student guide at Festival of Words to help you meet them on May 9th! Register today!
And overall introduction to Chris Strassel and Clooney:
AUTHOR BIO: Chris Strassel was inspired to write Courageous Clooney after adopting her dog Clooney as a Hurricane Ida rescue and discovering he had heartworm disease. Clooney is now healthy and happy at home with Christina living in Delaware.
ABOUT CLOONEY
Clooney is a 2021 Hurricane Ida Rescue flown from PALS Rescue in Summit, MS by Wings of Rescue to Brandywine Valley SPCA in Georgetown, DE. Clooney’s Mom saw his photo on a BVSPCA post on Facebook and was first in line to adopt the next morning. He had already tested heartworm positive and that’s where this journey began.
Clooney is 100% healthy now and to pay their good fortune forward, they wish to raise awareness and reduce the number of dogs contracting this preventable disease. Clooney is also super shy and used to be afraid of lots of things, but now only a few. He learned, with his Mom’s love and support, how to over come his fears. Stay tuned for more of Courageous Clooney’s Adventures.
Clooney has also inspired his Mom to create “Clooney’s Coats”. Where we donate crocheted dog’s coats to various veterinarian’s and rescues in the U.S.A. Check us out on Instagram [#clooneyscoats](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/clooneyscoats/)
Our motto is “Doing Small Things with Great Love.”
CONGRATS on winning the Book Excellence Award for Pets and Animals!
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April 16, 2026
What does a Substance Misuse Youth Summit look like? We have this answer!
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We want to remind you – this year’s Festival of 2026 has grown and is involving even more opportunities to meet, greet and network!
We have alot of amazing options added in
We are encouraging individuals of ALL ages to submit a 2 minute or less Origin Story!
Our opportunity to earn free tickets towards amazing gift baskets is shaping up to be GREAT!
Participating in this year’s Independent Book Scavenger Hunt now only helps build momentum for Library Month celebrations!
More authors covering excitement from K-12 is building up every day for May 9th!
More events to come, register today,
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVJClcDze4qWvtm9c40tEs-pb8iXd8DQeQR3mlSh23RsNdg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114016809259385278974
and keep your eyes on these links:
https://sites.google.com/wsd.k12.de.us/fow2026?usp=sharing
https://www.facebook.com/festivalofwordsde
https://www.instagram.com/festivalofwordsde/
We want you to be involved this year like never before!
(DO NOT forget to bring your bag from last year for special incentives with that QR code!)April 15, 2026
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https://easternshoreindies.com/
WHY are Independent Book Stores valuable? Let’s revisit that Huxley & Hiro podcast in 2025 – and YES – Independent Book Store Day is April 25th – want to be ready?
A double bonus for you tonight!
This amazing podcast:
Huxley & Hiro and the value of Independent Book Store:
https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/6049a18121bf14ed1544
and this amazing guide to get you ready for Independent Book store day!
Your guide for 2026 – Independent Book Store Day
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iwDymHYB-wNMAdJO7v-4UEyTrWW1dDLj/view?usp=sharing
The rules:
Turn your passport into the last bookstore (Visit as many bookstores as possible on your stop or mail to Caprichos Books no later than May 7.
For every stamp on your passport you’ll be entered to win one of three $50 gift cards to the participating store of your choice.
From Ms. Swift at Bethany Beach Book Store:
“We will have story time, author events, exclusive merchandise, sales, libro.fm golden ticket scavenger hunt, prize wheel and more! Like Clarie said, we would love any extra push to shop indie everyday but especially on the 25th!”
From Claire van den Broek, founder of Huxley & Hiro:
“That would be wonderful, we will be celebrating independent bookstore on day on April 25th. Most Indie bookstores will have special deals, prizes, etc so please encourage everyone to visit their nearest independent bookstore (s)!”
Festival of Words is making sure you are equipped and all we ask is this:
-Participate in Independent Book Store Day on April 25th
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iwDymHYB-wNMAdJO7v-4UEyTrWW1dDLj/view?usp=sharing
-Share info on Festival of Words and bring 5 friends and register!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVJClcDze4qWvtm9c40tEs-pb8iXd8DQeQR3mlSh23RsNdg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114016809259385278974
-Be willing to be on our FIRST student-led substance abuse prevention summit on May 9th after Festival of Words – more info on that coming shortly – so much to be excited about!
-Share an Origin story of your own here:
https://forms.gle/YJQ2ffL9Z6n2z4jPA
Support the amazing Independent Book Stores in our state!
Whether you realize it or not, without the Independent Book Stores we have in Delaware, we would not have the exposure to literacy we have. Browseabout Books in Rehoboth and Huxley & Hiro in Wilmington are the reasons we have the ability to put on, sign contracts, provide books, and enable one on one meetings for Festival of Words.
As sponsors in 2025 and again in 2026, helping us plan, navigate contracts, inventory books for the event AND participate in the Independent Book Store Day…
https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day
…Scavenger Hunt across the state (don’t miss it on April 26, 2026!)
(Exclusive center for this as Festival of Words 2026!)
There are MULTIPLE reasons to be thankful for these amazing sponsors of Festival of Words.
Be excited to see what they bring to Festival of Words 2026!
Huxley & Hiro
https://huxleyandhiro.com/pages/12187-Events
BrowseAbout Books
https://browseaboutbooks.com/events/calendar/2026/04?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqpvGHhzsiCNlBNGodMaLtgiETFAKwiU6eou4ILsXf1Z6ixDwmR7h7xNiuNc_aem_zkAp5UshXthx-O21IO9GQQ
Register for Festival of Words here:
http://www.festivalofwordsde.com
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April 14, 2026
The Seven Thunders experience is coming to Festival of Words!
Take part in the interactive Seven Thunders Quiz! Find out which Thunder you belong to and more!
Once your Thunder is received, come and choose your Chocowackolickit from the Chocowackolickit tree! A candy confection from the World of the Seven Thunders!
We are SO excited about the author experience O.C. Jamie is bringing to Festival of Words. Attendees will be able to delve into O.C. Jaime’s world all morning – you will NOT want to miss this.
This Middle age story combined with the unique immersion into this world at Festival of Words will be unlike anything you ever experienced!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVJClcDze4qWvtm9c40tEs-pb8iXd8DQeQR3mlSh23RsNdg/viewform
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April 13, 2026
Featuring Malinda Lo
Winner of the National Book Award
https://www.malindalo.com/lastnight
Malinda Lo is the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels, including A Scatter of Light. Her novel Last Night at the Telegraph Club won the National Book Award, the Stonewall Book Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a Printz Honor, and was an LA Times Book Prize finalist. Her books have received 15 starred reviews and have been finalists for multiple awards, including the Andre Norton Award and the Lambda Literary Award. She has been honored by the Carnegie Corporation as a Great Immigrant. Malinda’s short fiction and nonfiction has been published by The New York Times, NPR, Autostraddle, The Horn Book, and multiple anthologies. She lives in Massachusetts with her wife and their dog. https://blueflowerarts.com/artist/malinda-lo/
Register today and stay tuned for our next featured author!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVJClcDze4qWvtm9c40tEs-pb8iXd8DQeQR3mlSh23RsNdg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114016809259385278974
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April 8, 2026
Ohhhhh, Literacy! Did you hear? THREE more Delaware published authors have been added to Festival of Words 2026 – and their workshops they are creating are PHENOMENAL!
Do your smart steps now- Register ASAP-
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVJClcDze4qWvtm9c40tEs-pb8iXd8DQeQR3mlSh23RsNdg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114016809259385278974
then those registered will get the freshest choices of the workshops that will be offered – coming soon.
This Festival of Words will make your creative hearts and minds race- new flier with NEW authors added coming shortly.
Friday we will be heading to the WBOC studio and the following week you will get to see and hear first hand, from students, WHAT impact Festival of Words will have on our Delaware community, from New Castle to Sussex County!
Yes buses are available to transport students as well for this amazing day!
April 4, 2026
We hope you get excited about gearing up for Festival of Words May 9th!
Happy School Librarian Day!
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Stay tuned for tonight’s flier for this event and links to some exciting events planned!
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April 3rd, 2026
Literacy is NOT just for adults!
May 9th is your chance to see multiple literacies represented at the 26th Festival of Words!
Art, literature, history, community initiatives led by youth, photography, theatre, agriculture, and more!
Tonight at 10 PM a full flier will be out to begin this exciting journey of multiple literacies being represented in Delaware!
In the meantime, we would like you to be a part of our theme- Origins by recording YOUR Origin story-
An origin story about:
Your first book
Your first memory of reading
Your first photograph
Your first memory
ANY pivotal event that is wroth the share!- We want yours!
Be a part of a collective Origin Story Anthology today-
record your 2 minute or shorter story here:
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March 13, 2026
Thanks to the Delaware Library School Association, we have Festival of Words to enrich and peak our literacy and individual Origin Stories! 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (to allow more time to see artisits, authors, vendors, etx!).
Following Festival of Words, we will be paring up with state agencies to address the issue of Substance Abuse Prevention, which will be led by students all over to strategize steps forward in healthier choices and opportunities to be involved in this initiative. This will occur from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM!
Need a good reason to attend Festival of Words- Origins – in May 9, 2026? We have amazing keynotes, for all ages, to start you off!
Festival of Words 2026! and a Student-led Substance Abuse Prevention Summit to follow Festival of Words! (Info below!)
Mark your calendars -some HEAVY hitters coming to DLA’s Festival of Words, May 9th, at Woodbridge High School! Artists, illustrators, authors, and so much MORE, Elementary, Middle, and High School ages all represented!
There will be open time in the AM and PM following workshops and keynote speakers where you can visit 50+vendors, organizations.
A student-led summit will follow to address Substance Abuse and steps to address this issue. We would LOVE students from all over the state to be a part of this initiative to address this issue impacting the whole state. This will follow Festival of Words, the summit to start at 3:30 – 5:30 PM.
Initial regsitration here:
and watch our page HERE. Workshop information to follow so you can choose what interests you best and sign up as we develop the full list of workshops available.
You will NOT want to miss this day. Preregistration in attending the event is above at that link and then workshops you can choose from will follow shortly after – alot of variety will be available based on your interest area!
Register today – and stay tuned for the amazing breakout sessions to choose from, over 40 amazing vendors, and many many more authors that will be premiered and showcased for you in the next few days. Register now and then more choices will arrive on your next page!
Register here to tap into the depth of Festival of Words to come!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefVJClcDze4qWvtm9c40tEs-pb8iXd8DQeQR3mlSh23RsNdg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=114016809259385278974
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March 12, 2026
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March 8, 2026
Thank you to Delaware Library Association who made this grant possible and helped us grow more selections for the Delaware Consortium!
The steering committee of theSCBWI Impact & Legacy Fund(SCBWI-ILF) is pleased to announce that your school library is one of five (out of 135 applications) selected to receive funding through our 2025 Giving Tuesday initiative.
Our objective is to provide your school library with a $1500 collection of new, recently published books by and/or about marginalized or underrepresented individuals. We will get into details later, but you will be able to select which books your school will receive.Bookelicioushas partnered with us and is offering an additional 10% donation, bringing the total value of this grant to$1650.
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March 4, 2026
Coming SOON- Registration, schedules, and more for Festival of Words!
Festival of Words 2026!
Mark your calendars -some HEAVY hitters coming to Festival of Words, May 9th, at Woodbridge High School.
Artists, illustrators, authors, and so much MORE!
Elementary, Middle, and High School ages all represented!
Stay tuned for registration (FREE!) and watch our page at https://harrybrake.com/delawareyouthlibrarians/ for some amazing announcements on the lineup for the day- special freebies for all attendees for Mother’s Day, and also for in general, celebrating your unique Origins and those responsible for YOUR Origins, be it grandparents, relatives, celebrating mothers. fathers, and more!
You will NOT want to miss this day – let’s look at Jarret Krosoczka…
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February 21, 2026
“We don’t have a school library accessible to students.”
(More common than you’d think).
What are you missing as a school for your students?
Take a peek!
and
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February 4, 2027
Students attended the CADCA Conference in Baltimore, representing Woodbridge High and Sussex County. Some of their notes are found …
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Check out the feature of our Little Free Library!
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January 31, 2026
The Youth for School Libraries Student Preventive Substance Abuse gathering #2 at Georgetown Public Library was awesome- with plans being made for some exciting community opportunities. We welcomed Courageous Hearts
https://www.courageoushearts.us/
Carmina Taylor as well- a great day with inspiring plans from our Sussex County Youth and Youth for School Libraries!
https://harrybrake.com/delawareyouthlibrarians/
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January 30, 2026
Ahead of our Youth for School Libraries Substance Prevention Youth Coalition meeting tomorrow, (#2!) we are proud of our students also taking a version of this DSCYF course – alongside adults!
Exciting things they will be planning coming up for Sussex County from youth, from different schools.
It is still amazing what school libraries can do, to empower students in our communities and where it can lead!
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January 25, 2026
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December 06, 2025
If you thought librarians were successful because of adults alone? Guess again. Librarianship is not insular or in a silo- as you see here- students are learning from Junior Library Guild Collection Development Partner, Cheryl Schepflin, how to go into their dashboard and student selection choices that they want to see in their library.
Students (gasp) becoming experts in their school library? Obtaining real world experience in PR, digital literacy and how that impacts them in and out of school?
That is what school librarians can offer. What does yours do? We want to hear your stories!
Instagram- @youthforschoollibrariesde
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/YouthforSchoolLibraries/
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December 05, 2025
Woodbridge High’s Girls Who Code as highlighted tonight on the Facilitator Workshop for Girls Who Code for their involvement in utilizing Science and Tech with drones, 360 degree cameras, robotics and more.
We are excited to show what we have been doing and what we will do, and awesome to be profiled alongside the South Carolina Girls Who Code. Raiders ROCK and so proud of these young lady Raiders – You will love to see what we have been dabbling in – stay tuned!
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November 29, 2025
Literacy, Santa, and Youth. We loved thefact so many loved their books but loved an opportunity to involve Love, INC and the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy in this project to promote literacy, as well as environmental and community literacy.
Thank you so much Drive-Thru Christmas on Merry Lane and the students from Woodbridge and Laurel who made this possible!
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November 30, 2025
Opening night of Merry Lane spotlighted litereacy!
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November 16, 2025
Check out what teens have been doing to spotlight their involvement, stemming from the school library, what we like to call, Teentober!
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October 19, 2025
Followup of the FIRST DAY at #AASL2025!
Our Girls Who Code made sure they were not forgotten in St. Louis #AASL2025
as well as
Raider Reads wanting you to discover your favorite read!
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September 17, 2025
Thank you.
Thank you for the patience you put into cosponsoringHouse Bill 119. Too often I am always writing individuals in powers asking, requesting, pleading, informing, etc. when it comes to saving the true role of the school and public librarian. Your actions have helped solidify the bigger picture of what literacy can mean, does mean, and I do believe can serve as a bridge of bipartisanship in times that try the very souls of our community.
Thank you.
| Bill Detail – Delaware General AssemblyThis Act establishes the following principles in regards to public library material: (1) Library material is provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons the library serves; (2) Library material should not be excluded, removed, or prohibited from a catalogue because of the origin, background, or views of a persons who created the material; (3) Material should not be …legis.delaware.gov |
Thank you again for also taking time to listen and consider the thoughts and voices of youth. In forming the Youth for Libraries group, students had the first line of input in traveling to leadership conferences, legislative day, supporting Festival of Words, serving on substance abuse concerns in youth mini conferences, and they are just getting started.
Thank you.
During Literacy month in September, I can think of no one else than our youth who can show communities the various types of literacies that exist, to bridge the divide that exists in so many areas of our community.
Students from various schools have stepped up to reinforce the values of literacy that mean so much, and impact so many areas. Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you in the future.
And again, thank you!
P.S. Below is a post from the miniconference the students attended in new Castle to voice opposition to substance abuse in Delaware!
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August 10, 2025
I cannot say enough of the time that students from Laurel, Sussex Central, and Woodbridge and Upward Bound gave, on a LONG Saturday, to give their time, patience, and open mindedness to so many younger youth outside of sphere of comfortableness.
It was astounding. All of the counties together helped define what Sportsmanship means when we all came together.
Students and youth can open doors and educate others about what can occur, and wehat does occur, stemming from the school library activating voices from ages 7 – 18, mixed with voices of those aged 19-70. Hubs, centers of activity, and community literacy all emanate from a school library and has changed through the years as the needs of many in our communities have changed as well.
Coach J, Carmina Taylor, Coach Joe, and the following students, thank you.
Adelita
Raul
Ania
Alexa
Breanna
Carla
Chelsea
Daniel
Daphney
Duncan
Edna
Hajra
Karime
Mariela
Melisa
Nex
Sandra
Yannis
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July 10, 2025
Artists and youth that plot and dream together, create together.
Involving the Georgetown Public Library just makes sense.
Inkline
STUDENTS SUBMIT ART HERE! https://forms.gle/3oqmZBgGYcDsHD857
INTEREST FORM: https://forms.gle/ercLnFMNj1UXGzQs5
Students and teachers, contact me with questions or ideas or anything at all!
duncanwinger@gmail.com
Instagram @duncanwinger
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June 18, 2025
Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay,
There might not have been a better way to start off the day at our Teen prevention Day yesterday than your willingness to start your day with our group. Through technical issues that finally worked out, we appreciated your optimism and showing there is a path forward, for all who want to impact change.
Today I travel to support HB119 to support libraries of all caliber and I want to see more youth involved for sure along the way in promoting literacy.
Each of those students you were in front of are dynamic and have the ability to change their community in some way, which is why I am sharing this with you, they were so motivated from your visit, thank you. We have created a group to begin showing how literacy pervades our communities-https://harrybrake.com/delawareyouthlibrarians/
Again, your willingness to share the AM with them AM, show patience to hear their voices, and your presence as showing that moment was a vital part of the day, said everything.
We have been lucky enough to work with John Chrastka fromEveryLibrary.org, in coordination with Catherine Wimberly (Legislative Chair) and of course our state librarian Annie Norman. We have a lot more to do, but we are fortunate to have had you be a staunch supporter of all things literacy.
Thank you!
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There was MUCH gleaned from yesterday’s event.
What I am proud of? Seeing our students go up to students from other schools and get to know them (out of their comfortable zone sometimes), not afraid to speak up and introduce themselves to all attending, as well as a willingness to offer insights into how to improve their communities. This is a HUGE feeling of gratitude to see out students willing to play a more valuable part of being a part of solutions to positivity.
Meeting Senator Lockman was a huge benefit and a highlight of so many parts of the day, and we appreciated her support of all our students – as this is a first step to showing youth how the can step forward to make a difference. More will be added from this day, to show what opportunities our youth discovered, so stay tuned for more about this day!
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June 17, 2025.
Our Woodbridge youth coalition is ready for Tuesday!
We now have a zoom meeting for those who unfortunately can not make it to our discussion with the Lieutenant Governor, Kyle Evans Gay at (approximately) 11:00am.
Register for the stream HERE
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June 12, 2025
Every month, leading up to July 4, 2026, students want to feature AT LEAST, one research journal, one podcast, and highlight events each month to build, show, and advocate for what has made libraries a backbone and part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Can they do it? I am pretty sure they can, they are a driven bunch 🙂
They are celebrating the attendance of students, and their own Ebony (A Woodbridge High School student) who attended the Mock Congressional Congress with so many other students from all over the state last Friday, preparing to celebrate the 250th Semiquincentennial, which will be on July 4, 2026. (Seems far off but there is so much to cover leading up to this!) It is an honor to be in Delaware, the first state, and be represented but these amazing students, celebrating the freedom of exercising their opinions and plans to better our communities. Our future is found in these youth. Literacy + Advocacy + Leadership is a winning combination.
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June 6, 2025
Our name has changed for our Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/youthforschoollibrariesde/
Today’s Library Town Meeting
was exceptional and the takeaway? Data story telling? Yes. Who best to carry this banner than our youth- they hold onto the resources that can launch school libraries into a new realm of advocacy.
Check out some of the slides from this event today:
https://guides.lib.de.us/ltm2025june
and more about Kate McDowell – and check her amazing work here- https://www.katemcdowell.com/about.html
What connections does your library see with digital data story telling opportunities involving your youth- We’d love your comments about this here!
Some to do’s that you need to be aware of as our youth build a library advocacy movement:
1. June 6 2025 Student Mock Continental Congress – How do school libraries have a place in the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026? Friday, the Mock Continental Congress is happening- It is exciting to see students from all over the state of DE to be a part of this and it is important for school libraries to find ways to capitalize on this historic aspect path for youth to ties litereacy, school libraries, and this upcoming celebration.
https://news.delaware.gov/2025/05/28/students-mock-continental-congress-coming-to-delaware/
2. May 19, 2025 Delegation Youth Conference alongside Senator Carper, Representative Blunt Rochester, Congresswoman McBride
This allowed our students, as well as students from all over the state to advance their views on literacy and what youth can do – tying school librarians together.
3. June 17th is Delaware Youth Prevention Day at Legislative Hall – and a chance for students to weigh in on ideas and suggestions to involve youth representatives from across the state (accompanied by their Adult Chaperones/Advisors) ; their mission is to advocate and inform our legislators about the remarkable and impactful substance abusepreventionand outreach efforts being conducted throughout the state. We are excited to be able to advocate how school libraries and youth can work together on this initiative.
4. Have you signed up for the Summer reading – it started June 1st! Do so now and be a part of highlight what new reads you are into, we want to hear your comments here to find out more!
https://guides.lib.de.us/summerreading
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April 25, 2025
Here is your guide for Independent Bookstore Day – April 26th – and reminder, you have until April 30th – so DO NOT LOSE THIS OPPORTUNITY.
https://easternshoreindies.com/
AS Browseabout and Huxley & Hiro were and ARE HUGE supporters of the Festival of Words, we need you to get out there and show them the love as a result so we can have this event bring school, public and other librarians and librarian workers together every year for a variety of needs. Supporting Independent Bookstores goes a long way to supporting our DE Indie (Independent) Bookstore scene, so we need you. it is advocating for literacy and we need you!
Go here and check out the info for tomorrow’s Independent (Indie) Bookstore Day:
https://easternshoreindies.com/
AND I even saved a copy of the passport you can have – (these will be in the stores)
but check it out here:
Passport
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Hy2l2C37VdHSHUCr9TjmgiF46_BRYut/view?usp=sharing
If you need me to send it to you via email, IM me and I will 🙂
Questions further? Let me know, but we would LOVE to have you send us a pic to our email: festivalofwordsde@gmail.com
OR share with us a pic of your visits at these stores to our instagrams:
@delawareschoollibrarians
or
Festival of Words
and yup! We might just have some bling to share with you as a result 🙂
Get involved and we hope to see you out and about!
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April 23, 2025
We apologize for missing the Spring Book Sale at the Georgetown Public Library in this podcast. but you are in time for the BeachSide Festival mentioned and the Fall Book Sale!
Thank you Friends of the Georgetown Public Library
https://georgetown.lib.de.us/friends/
for being a sponsor of the Festival of Words 2025!
https://riverside.fm/shared/exported-clip/215fde18b98732e1b8b7
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Part of the ART (WE LOVE that Festival of Words is also referred to as the Festival of ART) of Festival of Words is how versatile our WHS students are willing to be AND are. Our scheduled student podcaster was unable to take the 10:00 AM slot we had with the Bridgeville Kiwanis (A HUGE AND VALUABLE SPONSOR OF FESTIVAL OF WORDS) and Emerson willingly sat in as a interviewer, NOT seeing or knowing anything about the questions to be asked previous. She came in cold and left burning with success during this podcast. She was STELLAR along with Kiwanian Mr. Gibbs.
https://riverside.fm/shared/exported-clip/0b49bad63f52b90e1779
She was able to conduct a VERY interesting look into how the Bridgeville Kiwanis, as well as Kiwanis all over the U.S. (and outside of the U.S.) impact our communities.
We loved the fact that we discovered how the Bridgeville Kiwanis impacted not only our local community, but supported Hawaii, as well as received a top award (in the top ten out of over 600 organizations internationally!)
These experiences present another side of what Festival of Words is, a chance to involve community sponsors with students, community members, organizations, authors, educators, and artists of all walks of life.
We love how Emerson was able to glean so much information in such a short amount of time, and KUDOS to Mr. Gibbs from Bridgeville Kiwanis for shedding so much light about how Kiwanis is a MAJOR contributor to the success of our community, and bringing so many motivating individuals to Festival of Words.
Thank you all around!~
Did you check out the Festival of Words podcasts page? So many more to add, so keep checking back!
https://sites.google.com/view/festivalofwords2025?usp=sharing
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Ties to Woodbridge are always something we want to know about. We were lucky enough to find these ties with the sponsorship of Festival of Words with the Parker Group.
There is SO much to followup on from Festival of Words 2025. Make sure you hover over the ABOUT section of the FOW website and access the podcasts that occurred from the Parker Group group for our state. We are humbled and grateful for their sponsorship to allow the Festival of Words 2025 to occur:
With ties to Woodbridge and libraries made clear in this podcast, we are grateful for the Parker Group’s sponsorship for Festival of Words and a major player in our community.
The Parker Group, a real estate group founded in 2016 by Dustin and Rachel Parker, was created with one goal in mind- to serve the community we love and to deliver exceptional service to an underserved market. Since that time, we have grown from a small team to a full service real estate brokerage, offering a team approach that has revolutionized the client experience. With locations across Delmarva, The Parker Group is reimagining real estate by bringing a locally-focused, tech-enabled approach to every transaction. With a passion for exceptional service and innovative marketing, we’re committed to transforming the real estate landscape and building stronger, more connected communities.
We had a chance to sit down with Ms. Rachel Parker with WHS student Daniel – and there is SO MUCH they do to impact the Delaware community. Since 2015 – we enjoyed this podcast – Check it out here!
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Festival of Words, WOW! It was possible thanks to EACH of YOU- keep in touch here periodically for many connections that came out of this amazing event.
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HUGE supporter of all things Festival of Words. They have donated books, provided access to authors, and more. We revisit the interaction we had with Ms. Nina Moreno and our WHS ELL/ ESL/ Spanish classes – one of many opportunities we were able to have thanks to the LatinxKidlit Festival.
This past September and October with the Kidlit Festival was AMAZING. Check it out here:
https://latinxkidlitbookfestival.org/
but also check out Ms. Nina Moreno and this amazing experience we had at WHS here:
Link to video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ydZe3YtEPSQTUNxrhRGgfbjdGGJuV4Ng/view?usp=sharing
Link to podcast:
https://riverside.fm/shared/exported-clip/1d252ef053f2a93a9409
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Stay tuned for ALOT of followup from the Festival of Words 2025.
We wanted to remind you to stay tuned to attending author / publisher Chris Kennedy’s blog and his latest releases found here (click on the link!).
PAVEing a Blog 