News - Local

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008

Central Coast Book and Author Festival checks out for the next two years

A library committee says it needs to build volunteer support and find an individual willing to take charge

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A festival dedicated to local authors and books has been canceled this year, organizers announced this week.

Usually held in September in San Luis Obispo, the Central Coast Book and Author Festival is on hiatus because of a decision by the governing committee of the Foundation for San Luis Obispo Public Libraries, member Brian Reynolds said.

“In order to put on the kind of festival that the foundation committee would like to put on, it is taking a two-year (break),” said Reynolds, who is also director of the San Luis Obispo City-County Library. “They hope to make it bigger and better in 2009.” Reynolds said a lack of volunteers played a part in the decision.

“It’s a very labor-intensive project,” he explained. “It’s hard to get someone to take the lead role.”

Last year’s festival featured a full day of free events, including panel discussions, workshops, a book fair and children’s activities.

Local and visiting authors also read their work; the lineup included “Pay It Forward” writer Catherine Ryan Hyde of Cambria and historical nonfiction writer Vicki León of Morro Bay.

Reynolds said further information about the festival will be posted online at www.ccbookfestival.org.