CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE


                      PROCLAMATION

            2023 VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK
                   MARCH 23 – MARCH 26
WHEREAS, the City of Charlottesville believes that literacy is critical to active
and engaged citizenship, and is committed to promoting reading, writing, and
storytelling for all, both within and outside its borders;

WHEREAS, reading stimulates the creative and intellectual growth of
individuals, while also building community through shared experiences, discourse,
and understanding;

WHEREAS, the 2023 Virginia Festival of the Book, with events presented
locally and livestreamed, draws attendees and attention to Charlottesville from
around the globe, while providing all programs free of charge to attendees and
offering greater accessibility through closed-captions, recap videos, and
transcripts;

WHEREAS, Virginia Humanities, the Virginia Center for the Book, the
University of Virginia, local businesses and schools, and cultural and civic
organizations collaborate with the Virginia Festival of the Book to connect with
one another through reading, foster empathy for the stories of others, and
promote literacy for all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor of the City of
Charlottesville, Virginia, do hereby proclaim Thursday, March 23 through
Sunday, March 26, 2023, as the twenty-ninth annual Virginia Festival of the Book,
and encourage community members to participate fully in the wide range of
available programs and activities.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of March 2023.



_______________________
J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor