Fall Reading Festival entertains campus

Thursday, October 7 at 11:41 AM

Education professor Michael Brooks is thoroughly involved in the book that he read to the audience of the Fall Reading Festival.

It was a beautiful, sunny October morning, perfect weather for Waggoner Libraryís 4th Annual Fall Reading Festival. This year's theme was Celebrating Humor in Literature. The reading passages selected came from different time periods, genres and reflected the creativity of the readers.

Readers included faculty members Julie Simmons read two delightful childrenís books; Doreen Croninís Duck for President and Patty Lovellís Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon; Professor Lena Hegi-Welch read from the 1957 comedy classic by Jean Kerr, Please Donít Eat the Daises; Professor Michael Brooks captivated the crowd with his expressive reading of Handy Dandy Helpful Hal; Adjunct Professor Diana Hardin read an excerpt from Louisa May Alcottís Little Men; Professor Ruth Reynard read a passage from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Students also read their favorite humorous writings. Nicole Hart read a chapter from Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones. Nathan Hancock and Karla Wardlow presented part of Act II from Oscar Wildeís acclaimed play the Importance of Being Earnest. Guest rReader Stephen Speer had the crowd laughing with tales from Phillip Gulleyís Just Shy of Harmony.

The reading festival, held on the main portico of the Waggoner Library, offers a relaxing break in the routine of classes and work. The audience of students, faculty, staff, and administrators seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly.