Family-Friendly Storybook Festival to debut at Bernie’s Book Bank

Outdoor festival to take place at Lake Bluff nonprofit organization

LAKE BLUFF – The Storybook Festival is a new family-friendly event embracing the fun and magic of children’s storybooks.

The outdoor festival is scheduled for May 22 at Bernie’s Book Bank in Lake Bluff.

There will be a performance by story performer Chris Fascione, a costume parade, greetings from book characters and activity areas with social distancing guidelines.

Proceeds from the event benefit Bernie’s Book Bank, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Its mission is to increase book ownership among underserved children throughout the Chicago area by distributing free quality books.

The event will adhere to all COVID-19 safety requirements and will be divided into two identical sessions. The first session takes place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The second session begins at 12:30 p.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. Attendees over the age of two are required to wear masks.

“Children and families are a vital part of our volunteer base at Bernie’s Book Bank. Unfortunately during the ongoing pandemic, we have not been able to host volunteer sessions,” said Darrin Utynek, CEO at Bernie’s Book Bank. “The outdoor Storybook Festival is an excellent opportunity for these families in our community to support our mission in a safe and enjoyable way.”

In addition to the scheduled performances and activity areas, children can listen to the adventure of Zippy the Zebra during storytime presented by Therese Van Ryne, author of “Zippy’s Special Gift.”

Storybook Festival is sponsored by corporations that support Bernie’s Book Bank and its fight to end the literacy crisis. Sponsors include CDW, William Blair, Zebra Technologies, ITW and Rosborough Partners.

Tickets for Storybook Festival are on sale for $10 each. Children 2 and under are free. All children will receive a gift bag.

For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.berniesbookbank.org/events/fundraisers/storybook-festival.