Join us on Oct. 18, 2008 for the Gwinnett Reading Festival, featuring authors and fun events for all ages! Below are a few of the highlights from the 2007 festival. Watch for 2008 festival information, coming soon.

Laughing Matters: these guys are funny!

Laughing Matters has performed as an improvisational comedy troupe since 1985. Long before the popular TV show Whose Line is it Anyway?, these entertainers were winging it on stage with hilarious results. Utilizing a host of tried and true comedy improv techniques, the troupe involves the audience in a side-splitting romp through bizarre scenarios. This one's a must-see. In the teen tent at 3:00 pm.

Teen Read Week: LOL@Your Library

Teen Read Week culminates on festival day with the announcement of awards for our Teen Writing Contests. The theme of this year's Teen Read Week is "LOL@Your Library." Rules for separate contests for middle school and high school students are posted on the Gwinnett County Public Library's Teen Scene webpage. Hear the winners announced and an open mic of teen writing entries in the teen tent.

Calling all Cosplayers: Dress as Your Favorite Book Character

Gwinnett County Public Library invites you to compete in a Teen Cosplay Contest. Costumes can be from any book, but you must bring a reference picture for the judges. Only clearly fake weapons permitted. You must be at the contest site in costume by 11 am to fill out your entry form. The contest begins at 11:30. All entrants must be Gwinnett County Public Library card holders in grades 6-12. First Prize is a $50 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. Complete contest rules are posted at the library's Teen Scene webpage.

Sumo Suit Wrestling

If you haven't seen it, you can only imagine. Wrestlers don inflatable suits that add 100 inches to their girths; then it's a wrestling, wrastling free-for-all. (Don't worry, parents, there are rules.) Try it out in the teen tent.

Dance Dance Revolution & Guitar Hero

These Playstation competitions are all the rage. Follow the instructions on the screen and keep dancing in DDR. Follow along to your favorite tunes and become Guitar Hero for the day. In the teen tent throughout the day.