On Saturday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., over 30 local authors will be on hand at the Gates Public Library to autograph and sell their children's books in time for holiday gift giving. Beginning at 10:20 a.m. and every 20 minutes until 3 p.m., a local author will present a short program about his/her books or writing in the library meeting room. The event is the fifth annual Rochester Children's Book Festival.

In the town hall meeting room, the public will have the chance to meet each author individually and have their selection autographed. All events are free, including the talks in the library meeting room. For families wanting to make an all day event out of the festival, there will be food and beverages for sale from a local bakery in the connecting corridor, with table seating.

Authors and illustrators attending will be Heidi Alati, Ellen Arnold, Mary Jane Auch, Joan Baier, Judy Bradbury, Patience Brewster, Sue and Rich Freeman, Marsha Hayles, Will Hubbell, Janet Korpela, Mary Ryan, Ilse Sondheimer, Joe Sottile, Peggy Thomas, Vivian VandeVelde and Pat Viglucci.

Gates teacher Joe Sottile will read from his "Bathroom Vacation and Other Poems" and Vivian VandeVelde author, and Mary Jane Auch, illustrator, will take about "Troll Teacher." There will be interactive programs, tips on writing for children, recording family history, and even a presentation on putting together a magazine for children.

This event is held but once a year and this is the first time in three years that this event has been held on the west side of the county.

The Rochester Children's Book Festival will donate a portion of sales to the Friends of Gates Public Library's Endowment Fund, a long-term project for the Friends, for hosting this event. Volunteers to assist with the day's activities are especially encouraged to call either Allen Nash, President, Friends of Gates Public Library, or Susan Swanton, Library Director, Gates Public Library.