Bloomington Bookfest celebrates books and reading

Bloomington Bookfest, a free family event to celebrate books and reading, will be held from 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday, Feb. 29 at Oak Grove Middle School, 1300 W. 106th St.

The free community-wide event to promote literacy includes reading activities, photos with costumed characters, face painting, art projects and free snacks. Characters from the Oak Grove Middle School performance of “Frozen” will be available for photos and autographs. All children who attend receive a free book.

Appearances by local children’s book authors include Nancy Carlson at 9:30 a.m.; Douglas Wood at 10:15 a.m.; and KARE 11 Meteorologist Belinda Jensen at 11 a.m. to discuss her book “Bel the Weather Girl” and perform weather-related experiments for families in the Oak Grove Middle School Auditorium. All three authors will have books for sale at the event.

Families can also learn about preschool, early childhood education and summer programs for youth in Bloomington. More information about the event and volunteering at the event can be found at bloomingtonbookfest.org.