NCSU Libraries Focus Online

Volume 24 number 3 - Spring 2004

By Laura Hudson, North Carolina Literary Festival

The 2004 North Carolina Literary Festival is being held at NC State from April 15 through 18. Reading and writing enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to see, hear, and interact with some of the South’s most treasured writers. Making a rare appearance to kickoff the festival is Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple, Alice Walker. Her lecture will be held at Stewart Theater on Thursday, April 15, at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The festival will continue Friday evening with a keynote speech delivered by Dennis Lehane, author of the best-selling novel Mystic River. His speech will be followed by a ticketed reception held in the Talley Student Center Ballroom. Saturday and Sunday will offer featured presentations, readings, panel discussions, and workshops. By Sunday at 5:00 p.m., nearly 100 authors will have crossed the Brickyard to address audiences young and old.

Recent additions to the festivities include: scheduled performances by Hillsborough native Tift Merritt, a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer and storyteller David Holt, and a performance by the Cherokee Children's Dancers. For the most up-to-date information and to review volunteer opportunities, please visit the Web site at www.lib.ncsu.edu/nclitfest2004.