The "Be A Book Buddy" event on Monday, August 11, 2003 filled the Public Service Level of the Government Center with hundreds of children from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families, daycare centers and summer camps all took advantage of the book-related crafts and activities.

After drawing a sidewalk chalk mural with Caldecott Medal winning illustrator Eric Rohmann on the South Plaza, many children headed indoors to enjoy book-making and page design, magnetic poetry, pencil crafts, facepainting, storytelling (including a spirited presentation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Commissioner Mike Opat) and a fabulous noon performance by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. This was the first year for the celebration but organizers hope to bring it back next year.

Below are some snapshots of the fun event.