By Nicole MOORE

On Feb. 2, the Assistance League of Glendale hosted an all-day authors and illustrators event at Lincoln Elementary School. The ALG program was established in 1997 by League member and Dunsmore Elementary School librarian Karen Grigg. The day hosts local authors and illustrators who speak to children about the process of writing, illustrating and publishing, giving students a better grasp of what it means to have one’s work published. Additionally, the program hopes to create an excitement in the children for reading and a love of literature. Each of the elementary schools in the Glendale Unified District participates in the event on a five-year rotation, depending on available funding. 

ALG chair and former teacher Linelle Vincent went from classroom to classroom to introduce this year’s participating authors and illustrators before their presentations. Presenting this year were Tao Nyeu, author and illustrator of “Squid and Octopus: Friends For Always,” Oliver Chin, author of “Year of the Rooster,” Tim Egan, author of the Dodsworth series, and Leslie Margolis, author of “Boys are Dogs.”

“I love the interaction between the authors and students,” said Vincent.

At noon, Vincent, on behalf of the ALG, presented a check for $1,000 to the Lincoln Elementary library. In addition, books by the visiting authors and illustrators were donated to the school library. 

Students had a chance from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to purchase books by the visiting authors and illustrators who then offered to sign copies of their books. 

The next ALG sponsored authors and illustrators event is planned in May at Mountain Avenue Elementary School.