Collingswood attracts with stacks

From sorting through used books to taking pictures with the Cat in the Hat, bookworms of all ages found something yesterday at the Collingswood Book Festival.

Stretching six blocks, the sixth annual event had tables and readings featuring 45 authors, more than 100 vendors, used books for sale, and arts and crafts for children.

Organizers said they expected about 6,000 people, mostly local, to attend.

"I think it's one of those niche festivals," said Jean Brennan, chair of the festival committee. "It's obvious if you go out to Barnes & Noble . . . there are a lot of people very interested in reading and books."

Kim Feeley, 25, a teacher in Mount Holly, said it was a good place to pick up children's books for her classes.

"My mom and I come here every year," she said. "She likes to read, and so do I."

Others experienced the festival for the first time.

Connie Cramer, 64, of Cherry Hill, waited in line for author and former Inquirer reporter Sal Paolantonio, now a correspondent for ESPN, to sign her bookplates.

"I listen to him every morning," she said, adding that she planned to give three of his books as gifts.

Children's author Fabian Howe published his first book, Go Whisper, at the end of June, and said he planned to write more children's books. In the meantime, he was happy to talk to festivalgoers about Go Whisper, which encourages self-esteem.

"I've had a few sales," he said. "It's a great experience."

Authors Stella Price, Tilly Greene, Cat Johnson and Donna Michaels travel from New York and North Jersey to festivals almost every weekend to sell their books together, but said Collingswood's was especially appealing.

"We like that it's dedicated to books," Johnson said. "Usually we're stuck between the pocketbook lady and the face-paint lady."

And, Greene said, "we're all bookies."

Brennan said the authors were a mix of fiction and nonfiction writers. "We try to have something for everyone," she said.

The festival committee is all volunteer, and meets once a month, starting in March.

As the festival has expanded every year, so has the committee, Brennan said.

"Every year we have grown," she said. "A lot of people like the idea," which the Collingswood library's board of trustees originated.

Said Brennan: "I thought six years ago, 'Wouldn't it be great to have an event where everybody who loves books gets together?' "