The largest annual literature event in Las Vegas began yesterday and will continue until Sunday, November 8th. This 4-day Free Vegas event was created with the idea of bringing together those who love to read books with those who love to write books.

During the Vegas Valley Book Festival 2009 visitors will enjoy readings, panel discussions, book signings, workshops, poetry & spoken word performances, exhibitions, children's literature and special events. Most of the events on the schedule are Free to the public.

The Las Vegas event will take place in the Historic Fifth Street School at 401 S. Fourth Street, which now serves as a historical landmark in downtown Las Vegas. Other events will be held in the Clark County Library at 1401 E. Flamingo Rd. and the 18 b Arts District.

The 2009 Vegas Valley Book Festival will feature over 100 local and national authors celebrating contemporary literature, fiction and non-fiction, Las Vegas publications, pop culture, the built environment, poetry/spoken word, comics, children's literature and more.

Other book festival highlights include: Local Authors Fair, Comics Festival, Illustrated Word and the Children's Festival which will feature children's authors, book giveaways, story time events, staged performances, a puppet show, educational booths, arts and crafts, costumed characters and much more. The Children's Festival will take place on Saturday, November 7th adjacent to the Historic Fifth Street School.