The annual “An Afternoon with the Authors” event is just around the corner coming up on Sunday, and organizers are excited by the opportunity the public will have to meet and greet with those who write some of our favorite stories.

Several surprise authors will be participating in the event on Sunday afternoon, from 2 to 4 p.m. at In the Woods in Rockmart off Highway 113.

The event is free and open to the public, but plan to bid on the beautiful baskets to help ensure that Ferst Readers can continue their mission of providing free books to youth in Polk County from ages birth to five.

Additionally, Chick N’ Scratch Bakery is taking part in a virtual auction – online only – to help raise funds for the event. Check out their Facebook page for more information on how to participate.

Those who are unable to make it to the event but want give this year can still do so by visiting ferstreaders.org and making a donation at anytime. Specifically, when making the donation please make sure that you have selected “Polk County” among the dropdown list of places that participate in the effort to increase youth literacy.

An Afternoon with the Authors event is the main fundraiser annually for Ferst Readers of Polk County, and contributions of signed books from authors and gift baskets donated by community members and businesses help make the annual event a success.

Debbie Ross, the Regional Program Coordinator for Ferst Readers, said that she is excited to once again provide the public with a chance to help with literacy efforts but at the same time take home great gifts they’ll cherish forever.

“Please come out and support our organization, so that we can continue our goal of making sure that when children enter school they are well-prepared to learn,” Ross said.

Those who plan to attend will be required to remain socially distant, and masks will be worn at all times.

This year alongside the event, the community has been encouraged and is participating a reading of “The Night the Lights Went Out” by Karen White. Virtual book club discussions around the novel set in small-town Georgia have been ongoing throughout the month of February.

Check out the Ferst Readers of Polk County Facebook page for more on how to join the organization and take part.