Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival: Six years of empowering and educating the community

The Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival, founded by Dhanpaul Narine, is not just a platform for promoting literacy among children in Queens but a unique event that has evolved over the past six years. From its humble beginnings with a small group of children, it has blossomed into a dynamic festival held at the Richmond Hill branch of the Queens Library, significantly impacting our community.

This one-of-a-kind initiative encourages children to read poetry, deliver speeches, perform musical renditions, conduct and present their research, and showcase their talents. It also provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for them to do so, making every participant feel valued and welcomed.

In collaboration with the Office of Adult and Continuing Education (OACE) and the New York City Department of Education, the festival has gained official recognition and support for its contributions to children’s literacy.

Attendees of the Indo-Caribbean Heritage Celebration recently at the Queens Library. Photo by Tracey Khan

Recently, the festival honored two distinguished community members, Dr. Basdeo Mangru and Sherry Albredo. Dr. Mangru, a historian and the first Master of Arts graduate from the University of Guyana, has extensively written about East Indian immigration. Albredo, a community board member, has significantly contributed to various community initiatives.

The most recent event focused on Indo-Caribbean heritage, examining the migration from India to the Caribbean and the subsequent migration from the Caribbean to North America.

Previous events have celebrated Black history and women’s contributions, featuring readings and original poetry inspired by luminaries like Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou, and Martin Luther King Jr.

He added that “one of the festival’s most remarkable aspects is its ability to bring together children, parents, and the community. It creates a family-friendly environment where children can shine, and parents can take pride in their achievements. The active participation of prominent community members as moderators.”

Participants and members of the Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival during their honoring celebration. Photo by Tracey Khan

The next major event, ‘Poetry, Prose, and Passion,’ is already generating buzz and is scheduled for [Aug. 3, 2024]. Dr. Narine stated, “We look forward to welcoming all eager parents and children to this exciting celebration of literature and community.”

Dr. Narine expressed profound gratitude to the Queens Library for their generous support, emphasizing that all festival activities are provided free to the community. As the festival continues to expand, the need for additional space becomes apparent, reflecting the growing interest and participation from the Queens community. Your support and involvement are greatly appreciated and recognized.

For more information and updates on upcoming events, the Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival encourages community members to stay engaged and participate in this enriching cultural celebration.