Zion Baptist Church, located at the Northwest corner of Broad and Venago streets, recently held its second annual Book Fair. This second book fair came a mere five years after the first was held in 2008 because the church did not have a pastor.
The book fair was created by Mildred Bazemore, a member of The Library Ministries. “In 2008 I went to a seminary and I saw a need for Christian education and the library was a perfect vehicle,” Bazemore said. “Another one of the purposes is to invite the community in for storytelling [and] child care.”
The book fair was held in the upstairs gymnasium of the church. It provided children with games, such as an Easter egg hunt and a hat-making competition. Patrons were also invited to enjoy refreshments and the company of others.
Among the vendors was one local author and high school student, Rhiannon Richardson, who just wrote her first novel entitled Model Friendship.
“When I actually wrote it, I didn’t have anything to do that day, so I kind of just sat down and wrote it,” Richardson said of her published novel. “I felt inspired by my seventh-grade year.”
Richardson is also a member of Zion Baptist Church, which is where she heard about the book fair and was able to become involved with it. Richardson noted that the church has helped her grow as an individual. “I learned a lot about the Bible from this place [as well as] morals.”
Zion’s Book Fair was great. There were 7 authors and 3 bookstore owners present. There were book give-a-ways to children and adults as well. The hat competition was hilarious. The children’s eyes lit up when it was time for the egg hunt. The food was fabulous especially the vegetarian menu! I’m looking forward to 2014’s Book Fair! Great job Zion!!!
Great article. Looking forward to next years Book Fair.