Doris Eraldi will be one of the featured writers at LitFest at Mendocino College in Ukiah, Calif., on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Photo by Terrence Anthon.

UKIAH, Calif. – Fans of poetry and fiction are invited to celebrate local writers and poets in a one-day festival Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Lowery Library at Mendocino College, 1000 Hensley Creek Road.

“LitFest 2011” will feature readings, talks, and workshops by more than 20 contemporary authors and poetic artists, and book vendors such as Tenacity Press will be present to sell books.

Admission to the event activities, including workshops, is free and the public is invited. New to the event this year will be a round robin “Grand Poetry Reading” that will run from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“The Mendocino College Literary Festival is a full day dedicated to appreciation of works by very talented artists, writers and poets from our communities. It will be enjoyed by students, faculty, staff, and the general public,” said John Koetzner, head librarian at Mendocino College.

“Cultural and literary events such as ‘LitFest’ and our annual readers series enrich students’ lives and invite everyone to discover all the great ways the college contributes to the community,” added Koetzner.

Jody Gehrman will offer a workshop at LitFest at Mendocino College in Ukiah, Calif., on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Courtesy photo.

The Mendocino College Foundation and its affiliate organization, the Friends of the Mendocino College Library, plus several additional supporters are making it possible to hold the one-day festival this year, Koetzner said.

The celebration will feature workshops by fiction writers and poets Armand Brint, Doris Eraldi, Jean Hegland, Jody Gehrman, Terena Scott, Natasha Yim and Molly Dwyer, and readings by poets Armand Brint, Dan Barth, C.E. Chaffin, Steve Hellman, Blake More, Ethel Mays, Bill Churchill, Ricardo Stocker, Sandra Wade, Theresa Whitehill and others will conclude the day.

Additionally, aspiring writers, students and fans of the written word will be able to meet featured guest authors and participate in writing workshops.

Topics include “From Picture Book to Young Adult: The Nuts & Bolts of Writing and Publishing for Children,” “Give Your Great Characters Something to Do,” “Framing the Dream: Making Your Publishing Dream a Reality,” “Dialogue as a Story-Telling Tool,” “Spontaneous & Collaborative Writing,” “Cross-Cultural Poetry” and more.

Individuals who want to attend the writing workshops should sign up in advance by registering online at www.mendocino.edu/litfest. For additional information, call 707-468-3051.

This year’s LitFest celebration is the fourth time the event has taken place. The first festival in 2007 was made possible by funding from the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Mendocino College Foundation, and the Friends of the Mendocino College Library along with a number of community sponsors.

“We are seeking additional community sponsorship to help make LitFest an annual event,” said Koetzner.

For more information about LitFest 2011, call the Mendocino College Library at 707-468-3051 or visit the event Web site, www.mendocino.edu/litfest.