In an effort to promote reading and literacy in the community, MISD will be holding the first Book Festival in district history.

“People should come if they like to read or write,” English teacher Heather Hogue said.

The festival will be held Sat., Sept.19, at the MISD Performing Arts Center. The event will also feature a writing workshop and poetry slam.

“I do plan on going to the Book Festival this weekend, help out, find some new people to get into (the writing partnership), and grab some tips,” Writing Partnership Vice President Tiffany Lynch said.

Some students are helping with author signings.

“I am interested in going and I will actually be volunteering (by) helping with the book signing,” Sophomore Temitoro Edun said.

The Book Festival will be bringing in authors like Louis Sachar, Kwame Alexander and Julie Kibler.

“I can’t believe the quality of participants the City of Mansfield was able to get for this event,” Hogue said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet (some of these) authors and hear their thoughts on the writing process.”