Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is once again partnering with Southwest Human Development for its 11th bi-annual free community literacy event on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a full day of storytelling and cultural activities at PVCC’s Festival of Tales, a bi-annual event that brings reading to life. Children who participate receive free books and can participate in various activities, including demonstrations, vendors, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks, and more!

“Festival of Tales is one of my favorite events here at PVCC,” says Meggin Kirk, program director at PVCC. “Not only does it help develop awareness and understanding for other cultures through storytelling, it often is the spark to ignite one’s passion for learning.”

Since its inception in 2009, Festival of Tales has attracted more than 17,000 people from Maricopa County and more than 40,000 books have been given away to children and their families. In 2019, Festival of Tales was recognized with two distinguished awards from the Maricopa County Community College District, including the Diversity Advisory Council award and the Paul M. Pair Innovation of the Year award.

The event is held at the PVCC Union Hills Campus, 18401 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. Event activities will occur in and around the Kranitz Student Center (KSC). Free parking is available. For more information, email [email protected] or call 602-787-6659.