Community event brings together storytellers and families to celebrate children’s literacy and creativity in St. Louis.
AYP – Committed to empowering individuals through literacy, achievement, and educational advancement
Fostering the magic of storytelling and the power of learning, the Assistance League of St. Louis and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Mathews-Dickey Club (MDC) proudly announce the Annual Book Bash, a dynamic event designed to inspire the next generation of readers, thinkers, and innovators.
Taking place on Saturday, May 17, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Mathews-Dickey Club (4245 Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis), this family-friendly event will provide attendees with an unforgettable blend of inspiration, education, and hands-on fun.
Highlighting St. Louis Talent
Central to the event is an exciting lineup of renowned local authors whose stories and experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression on young readers. The featured authors include:
Arika Parr & Ava Johnson – A mother-daughter duo who inspire children to celebrate their unique strengths and individuality.
Micheal Anderson – The award-winning creator of the Zoey Lyndon STEM series, encouraging young minds to explore the wonders of science and technology.
Zara Daugherty – A remarkable nine-year-old author sharing relatable tales to help kids cope with life’s disappointments.
Angela Lewis – An MDC graduate and professional athlete who uses sports as a metaphor to teach resilience and tackle life’s challenges.
These authors will take part in engaging panel discussions, providing insight into their inspiring journeys and the motivation behind their work.
What to Expect at Book Bash 2025
The Annual Book Bash is an event that combines education, creativity, and fun to leave a lasting impact. Event highlights include:
Author Panels
Gain insight into the creative process and hear empowering stories about overcoming challenges from the featured authors.
Interactive STEM Activity
Participants will engage in a hands-on activity designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Book Signings
Young readers will have an invaluable opportunity to meet the authors, have their books signed, and build meaningful connections.
Lunch and Learn
Enjoy a nutritious lunch provided by Chick-fil-A while participating in an educational talk, creating a space for both nourishment and inspiration.
Take-Home Goodies
Each attending child will leave with a Bag of New Books and an Author Starter Kit, igniting a lifelong love of literature and curiosity in STEM.
A Community Collaboration
The Annual Book Bash isn’t just an event; it’s a collaborative mission to nurture young minds, rooted in community support. Brandon Williams, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, emphasized, “We are excited to host the Annual Book Bash again this year. Club members were excited to hear from the authors. It inspires our kids to believe they can achieve anything they put their minds to.”
Denise McKibben, Past President of the Assistance League of St. Louis, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This Book Bash is designed not only to entertain but to educate. Through our collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, we are helping to light up the imaginations of tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Together, we are building a community that values learning and creativity.”
Join Us and Make an Impact
The Annual Book Bash is more than an event; it’s a movement to uplift youth in the St. Louis community by providing meaningful opportunities to engage with literature and learning.
Discover how the Assistance League of St. Louis and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis are working together to create brighter futures. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special day.
Media Invitation
Members of the media are invited to cover this extraordinary event and witness firsthand the impact it has on the community.
About Assistance League of St. Louis
Assistance League of St. Louis is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the local community through a variety of impactful programs, including emergency assistance, educational support, and initiatives that inspire learning.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis works to support and develop young individuals, helping them achieve their full potential as productive, responsible, and compassionate citizens.
For more information about the event or to get involved, please contact:
Deneen Busby/VP, Marketing & Communications
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
Direct: 314-335-8009 | deneen@bgcstl.org| www.bgcstl.org
