The Anne Arundel County Literacy Council (AACLC) will hold their annual World Literacy Day celebration on Saturday, September 8, 2001 from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM. This year’s event will be held at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, located in Annapolis Harbour Center, at 2516 Solomons Island Road in Annapolis, MD. The event will be free and open to the general public.

World Literacy Day was established in 1965 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is observed by various countries around the world. The purpose of World Literacy Day is to heighten awareness of illiteracy in the United States and abroad. The event will feature celebrated local authors, government representatives and live demonstrations.

Former Press Secretary to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and resident of Anne Arundel County, Marlin Fiztwater will read excerpts from his debut novel Esther’s Pillow. Haunted by events revealed at his father’s deathbed, Fitzwater uncovers the prejudice and scandal involving a promising young schoolteacher in his family’s quiet 1911 Kansas town. "Marlin Fitzwater is a natural storyteller. Flavorful, evocative, and penetrating in its comprehension of character, Esther’s Pillow is a novel I won’t soon forget." - Richard North Patterson.

Michael Collier, Poet Laureate of the State of Maryland, will be reading from his collection of poetry, The Ledge. This most recent work by the award-winning author and Director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Maryland, explores the hidden depths of relationships. Described as "musical and crystalline, at once intimate and sharp-edged," The Ledge confirms Mr. Collier’s place among the most significant poets of his generation.

Also joining the event will be special guest speaker, Dr. Susan B. Kleinberg, Human Services Officer for Anne Arundel County. An author and highly regarded figure in the fields of education and human development, Dr. Kleinberg will speak on the importance of literacy efforts in the County. In addition to her county government post, Dr. Kleinberg currently holds leadership positions in several local service organizations, including the Mental Health Association of Maryland, Anne Arundel County Affordable Housing Coalition, and Children’s Services.

In celebrating the joy of reading, the AACLC hopes that World Literacy Day will heighten public awareness of illiteracy in Anne Arundel County. Live demonstrations of the Council’s tutoring method will be ongoing while the featured authors offer book signings. Information will be provided to encourage involvement in local literacy efforts.

Please join us in celebrating literacy !